West Indies sweat over Gayle

Windies management face a nervous wait over Chris Gayle’s fitness, as the opener races against time to be ready for the third Test.

Gayle strained a rib muscle during a recent West Indies tour match against the MCC and did not bat in the second innings of the match. Although it looks likely he will be able to bat against England at Old Trafford, further doubts remain about his ability to bowl over the course of the match.

“We want him to be able to bowl in the nets for us if he is going to do it in the match. If he can’t bowl then we will obviously have to make some adjustments,” said coach David Moore.

“We certainly want to try to get the balance of the side right and we would like to have some sort of spinning option, that’s for sure. He’s the only one who has got Test credentials with regards to his spin bowling.”