GAYLE PROMISES IMPROVED PERFORMANCE FROM WINDIES

Wednesday, December 2nd 2009 – Adelaide, Australia: West Indies captain, Chris Gayle, promised an improved performance from his side in the Second Test at Adelaide even as he accepted that the team’s performance in the First Test was below par.

“We were below par in the First Test but we have had some long discussions and meetings and we are looking to learn from our mistakes and correct our errors. We are not expecting any favours from anyone. We know it is hard work and we know we have to work hard,” the powerful straight-talking left-handed opener asserted.

Gayle made the comments as he rebuffed the numerous calls in the Australian media for a two-tiered Test system which would see the relegation of the West Indies.

“I can promise you we are doing our very best in the practice nets and we also want to put our best foot forward in the middle. The Adelaide Oval is a great place to play and the pitch looks quite good. We still have to go out there and make it happen,” Gayle continued.

Gayle further said that the team has been doubling up on practice since the defeat and he is pleased with the work being done.

“Since we arrived here in Australia, we have been training really hard and the players are working around the clock,” Gayle said.

The West Indies lost the First Test at the Gabba by an innings and 65 runs and inside three days but their performance was severely hampered by injuries to key veteran batsman, Ramnaresh Sarwan, and leading fast bowler, Jerome Taylor. Sarwan injured his back on the day prior to the Test and was forced to miss the game. Taylor could only deliver nine overs in the match as a result of a back and hip injuries which he picked up during the game and which have since caused him to return to the Caribbean.

Sarwan appears to be on the mend and there is every likelihood that he will be fit enough to return to his customary number three position in Adelaide  - a position which was filled by rookie batsman, Travis Dowlin, in Brisbane.

“Sarwan seems to be coming along OK and hopefully he will have a good chance of playing which will really help to lift our batting group,” Gayle reported following the team’s first training session in Adelaide.