Gayle - Reuters

OLD TRAFFORD, England (CMC):'

Experienced opener Chris Gayle, who picked up an injury on the weekend, will be available for the third Test starting Thursday at Old Trafford, after getting the all clear from team officials.

Physiotherapist Stephen Partridge confirmed yesterday that Gayle, the attacking left-handed batsman, would suit up for the all-important Test, despite suffering damage to his rib muscle while fielding against the MCC in a three-day tour match at the Racecourse Ground.

Gayle took no further part in the match as a precaution and there was some doubt over his participation in the Old Trafford Test.

The 27-year old Gayle, who has had a run of moderate scores with 30, 47, 11 and 13 in the first two Tests, is a key member of the West Indies batting lineup especially with captain and pivotal batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan having his series cut short by a shoulder injury.

West Indies have been hit by several injury concerns of recent. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the team's most experienced batsman, sat out the last Test with a knee injury, while fast bowler Ravi Rampaul suffered a groin tear while bowling against the MCC on Friday and has been ruled out of the upcoming Test.