Gayle

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

West Indies captain Chris Gayle has admitted to a rift between himself and the regional selection panel, over policy for the Digicel One-Day International (ODI) series.

Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the fourth ODI against Australia at Warner Park yesterday, Gayle said he had sometimes been left in the dark over decisions on selection and conceded that there had also been a breakdown in communications on some issues.

The outspoken Jamaican pointed out the fact selectors had chosen a 13-man squad, but said he was unsure of the rationale behind the move, especially when he thought there were supposed to be 14 players.

"We only have 13 in the squad at this particular time when there should be 14. I don't know the reason behind that because a 14-man squad was selected but there are only 13 players here so a lot of things are happening and I don't really know so it's kind of difficult in my situation at this particular time," Gayle revealed.

"(The) majority of the times we discuss selection but sometimes I get something totally different so it's difficult on my side.

"(Kieran) Powell from Nevis was in discussion for selection. No one has come back to me and said anything (about Powell or the 14th player). It's really disappointing, as captain these are the things you have to deal with.

"I'm not going to get into details but that's what has been happening, I won't call names."

Gayle said he had also disagreed with the selection panel of chairman Gordon Greenidge, Andy Roberts and Clyde Butts over the approach to the Australian series.

Experiment

The 28-year-old said while selectors were interested in experimenting with new players, he preferred the best team which could beat the Australians.

"The discussion was that the selectors needed to look at a few players based on the ICC Champions Trophy coming up," Gayle explained.

"They are trying to find new players to put pressure on other guys to perform (but) before the series actually started I said 'Do you really want to experiment against a team like Australia'?

"If so be the case then it's going to be even more difficult to beat them (Australia). I just thought it was the wrong time to try these things, to experiment a lot, it was the totally wrong time. You have to look for your best team rather than just giving guys an opportunity and just push them in against Australia.

"We should be looking to win the series but it's already gone now so you just have to do what you have to do."