Former West Indies great Curtly Ambrose believes Chris Gayle’s decision to return to the Test arena when India tours the Caribbean might send a wrong signal to the upcoming crop of players.
In England on commentary duties, Ambrose was talking about West Indies’ run at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Gayle and other things cricket. "If Chris Gayle wants to play an ODI series or a T20 series, well, that's not a problem. In terms of Test matches, for me is a no-no," Ambrose told PTI in an exclusive interview.
“Gayle hasn’t played Test matches for five years. There you go! Bringing him back for one Test, I think, is a backward step. What kind of message are you sending to the younger players? ODIs and T20s are not a problem as he still is a destructive player but Test matches, no, definitely not," said the fearsome fast bowler of the 1980s and 90s.
Asked about his thoughts on Windies’ poor run at the World Cup, Ambrose felt lack of application cost the side dear. "Firstly, it's their lack of application and secondly they are not thinking enough about their cricket," stated the towering Antiguan.
"It has got nothing to do with their skills because from time to time we have seen very good skills on display as they have looked a very good team. In my opinion, the two things that have brought about the West Indies' downfall are the thought process and lack of application. It's as simple as that."
The Jason Holder-led side has struggled in the 50-over format, but the players have been big hits in the T20 format. Though Ambrose finds nothing wrong in the players chasing glory in the shortest format, he wants them to strike the right balance. "I don't think it's an issue as cricket is cricket. No matter what form you play. If you are good enough, you are supposed to make adjustments and adapt from T20s to ODIs to Tests. It's just that they are not thinking enough and have become very impatient.
"These youngsters (Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer) have to sometimes understand that when the bowling is very good, you need to respect that. Because it gets easier if you can stay longer at the crease," he said.
Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Glyn Kirk
