Chris Gayle ... injured finger not serious. - File

TAUNTON, England (Agencies):

OPENER CHRIS Gayle has been cleared by medical officials after being hit on the knuckles early on the opening day of the West Indies'opening tour match against Somerset yesterday.

The 27-year old Gayle was struck by a quick delivery from fast bowler Mark Turner, with the ball flying over the head of the wicketkeeper to the boundary for four.

Gayle subsequently received on-the-field attention from West Indies physiotherapist Stephen Partridge but was able to continue his innings.

He was taken for precautionary x-rays following his dismissal, but these showed no signs for fracture.

The aggressive left-hander, a key component of the West Indies set up for the Test series, went on to hit 24 from 19 balls with four fours before playing on to Turner with the score on 32.

Meanwhile, England captain Michael Vaughan remains doubtful for the first Test against the West Indies starting on Thursday and is targeting the second game at Headingley.

Broken middle finger

Vaughan is still in pain from a broken middle finger on his right hand and his captain at Yorkshire, Darren Gough, said yesterday it looked unlikely he would play at Lord's.

"He's worked hard and he's trying his hardest to get back as quick as possible," Gough said at Headingley. "It's a race against time. If you asked me, I'd say it (the Lord's Test) will be a bit early for him. "But he'll probably be ready for the Test match here (at Headingley) and that will mean a lot to him."

Vaughan broke his finger playing for Yorkshire against Hampshire on May 3.

The England selectors are scheduled to name the squad for the Lord's Test today. If Vaughan is ruled out. Andrew Strauss is likely to lead the side.