Mother's illness sends Gayle home
Cricinfo staff
November 17, 2009
Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, will fly home to Jamaica on Wednesday to be with his seriously ill mother, leaving him in doubt for next week's first Test. While the team management hopes Gayle will be able to return in time for the game at the Gabba, the move is a further blow to the touring squad, which has come together following a strike between the players and the West Indies Cricket Board.
Gayle's absence means Denesh Ramdin, the wicketkeeper, will lead the side in the four-day tour match against Queensland in Brisbane today. The 15-man squad is already short of experience and will rely on Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan to lift it in the lead-up to the Test on November 26.
Gayle, who has played 82 Tests, has been criticised for his attitude since being re-appointed captain following the player strike. When the team arrived last week he spoke of unifying the team and challenging Australia in the three-Test series.
