I told myself I really had to dig deep and cash in on this wicket Chris Gayle Profile: Gayle force one Day four report

Chris Gayle admitted he had team-mate Brian Lara's world record score of 400 in his sights during his career-best innings against South Africa.

The Jamaican opener was eventually out for 317 as West Indies reached 565-5 on day four of the Antigua Test.

"The only record I was thinking about was the 400. It would be a long way back if I had to start all over again.

"I was trying to get as close as possible but it didn't happen and I'm satisfied with my performance."

Gayle dedicated his innings to West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers, who has been giving him expert coaching.

"I've been working hard with Sir Garry. We've done a lot in the nets and thanks to him it's paid off," he said.

"It's all about balance at the crease and he has taught me a lot of things. Hopefully I can carry on from here and look for more big scores like these."

Gayle joined Sobers in an elite group of four West Indians to make a triple century in Test cricket.

And his score was the highest in Tests against South Africa, beating Sir Don Bradman's 299 not out for Australia at Adelaide in February 1932.

He revealed Sobers, who scored 8,032 runs in 93 Test matches, advised him to alter his batting stance.

Sobers has been sharing his wealth of knowledge with Gayle

"I widened my stance a bit and feel a bit more balanced. Thanks to him it has paid off. In this game I tried to be as still as possible."

Gayle admitted he felt under the cosh following his dreadful run of form in the series.

"A lot of pressure was on me," he said.

"I didn't score any runs in the first two Test matches and I told myself I really had to dig deep and cash in on this wicket.

"I was really tired yesterday, having been on my feet in the field for two days.

"I really pulled myself together and am happy with myself to get the job done."

Gayle also urged the Jamaican government to provide more funding for cricket.

"They're focused on football, which has become the number one sport in Jamaica. But they could take a lot more interest in cricket," he added.

Despite Gayle's heroics, the fourth Test looks to be heading for a draw with West Indies set to resume, still 23 runs behind South Africa's first innings total.