Gayle - File
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
West Indies team manager Omar Khan says opener Chris Gayle is likely to pad up for the final Test against Australia next week, as the regional side chases a win in order to draw the series against the world champions.
Khan told CMC Sports that Gayle's groin injury had been improving following rehabilitative sessions with physiotherapist Christopher Clarke.
"CJ and Chris have been working feverishly on the injury and he is more than likely to feature in the final Test against Australia," Khan said.
"Chris is a vital part of our set up and he needs to be there for this all important match. The team is playing good cricket at the moment and they are showing the world champions Australia that they can compete with them.
Improvement
"We always knew that we are much better than the number eight rank we have on the International Cricket Council rankings but a number of factors have contributed to this and we are looking for continuous improvement."
West Indies lost the opening Test of the three-match series in Jamaica by 95 runs and battled well to save the second Test in Antigua.
They now have a week's rest before the final Test at Kensington Oval in Barbados which gets under way next Thursday. Khan said this period between Tests was very critical for the team.
"Our analyst Richard Berridge has given each player a DVD with his performance from the last Test and this time between Tests will be used to work on their faults," Khan said.
"The coaching team has been evaluating and assessing the players' performances and during this period, they are going to do a lot of work with the players.
"The coaching unit of John Dyson and David Williams have done a tremendous job for the team and one is seeing the results of their work.
Positive results
We now have a West Indies cricket team that is gelling well together and bringing in some positive results."
Over the next few days, the team is expected to engage in net work but will not be playing any practice matches, a move that will help the players make any personal adjust-ments needed.
"There are no practice matches in between [and] the players will be focusing on the final Test and a lot of fielding practices and physicals in addition to their net work."
Though West Indies have not won a Test against Australia in five years, Khan believes the team can pull off a victory in the final match.
"The West Indies have a good record in Barbados and once they can play proper cricket in every session of the Test match, they can win the Test and draw the series. This would be a major achievement for them, as they continue to re-build," Khan said.
