Chris Gayle contemplating retirement from Test cricket
Chris Gayle, who recently scored a double century against Zimbabwe at the ongoing World Cup, said that he feels his time with Test cricket is about to come to an end. He revealed that he is thinking about retiring from Test Cricket. He cited his back problem as the reason behind the possibility of the West Indian maverick never donning the white jersey again.
Gayle said, “I do [feel passionate about playing Test cricket], to be honest with you. It is just that lately this back problem has kind of pushed me away a bit from Test cricket. To be able to go five days, it has been tough.
“I haven't sorted my situation yet, which is the back problem. That is another concern because I've been playing cricket straight on the road and really didn't get a chance to spend the time and give the back as much time to heal.”
Surgery on your back basically ruins your career: Gayle
He, however, expressed that going under the knife is not a solution to his problem as that can end his career.
“People say surgery, but they say once you have surgery on your back basically your career can be over,” Gayle said. “It would never be the same as well. Lot of thinking then.”
Gayle said it is possible that he may retire from Test cricket even before the three-Test series at home against England in April, but admitted that he will clear his head and give it clear and extensive thinking before coming up with a decision.
He said, “It is a possibility. You never know. After the World Cup we will see what happens. Where Chris Gayle will actually head. Or you can sit and discuss and work out how we go about playing for West Indies cricket.”
Spending time with friends and family is important: Gayle
He said that the board needs to pay attention to the concerns regarding players spending a lot of time away from their loved ones at home while admitting that having free time to spend with friends and family is important.
The 35-year-old said, “That is important. That is something they can look into for sure, to give people a bit of time back home.
“This is our livelihood. This is our bread and butter still. At the same time you are going to drain yourself, you are not going to get the performances that you will normally see over the years consistently.”
“Some of the guys have been away from home for four months now. It has been tough. They played a Test series in South Africa and they leave from South Africa and come straight here . It is going to take a toll on your body. It is a tricky one.”
Give players rest if they need to: Gayle
He adduced the Australian model as the ideal one to follow in regards to giving break to players without worrying about losing their place.
He added, “May be the board can come down and talk to players. Have confidence in players to be able to talk honestly about how they feel. If a player says, listen they want a break, don't take it personally. You can give a player a break. You can do the rotations system as well.
“I think Australia do that in some formats with their bowlers. We can look into that as well. Give the guys a chance by telling them they won't lose their place. Because a player says he wants to take a rest it doesn't mean he thinks he is bigger than the game,” Gayle concluded.