Gayle's return to form with the bat was good news for West Indies

Chris Gayle and Devon Smith put on 111 for the first wicket as West Indies beat the PCA Masters by 56 runs in a Twenty20 encounter at Arundel.

Gayle hit a violent 73 from 34 balls, including eight fours and four sixes, while Smith made an unbeaten 77 from 53 balls, with nine fours and a six.

Marlon Samuels also struck 41 not out as the tourists amassed 198-1.

Samuels then took 4-19 as the PCA Masters limped to 142 all out, Azhar Mahmood top scoring with 41.

Although it was not the most serious encounter in their itinerary, West Indies skipper Chris Gayle said the win was important just two days before the first of two Twenty20 internationals against England at The Oval.

"We have a lot of guys coming and just getting into the groove of Twenty20. The guys are still learning the game and getting accustomed to the fast pace of the game.

"It is interesting because from ball one you have to be attacking - but you still want to do the basic stuff as well.

"Once you lapse, it is very hard to catch up in the fielding department. You have to make as few mistakes as possible," he commented.

Gayle said Samuels's performance showed how valuable spin bowling could be despite the batsmen looking to punish every ball.

"Hopefully Marlon and myself can carry the form against England, [but] I'm not writing off our fast bowlers, they are capable of getting wickets and restricting batters as well."