Gayle rose to the challenge of the captaincy in South Africa

Chris Gayle has been reappointed as West Indies captain for the forthcoming home series against Sri Lanka.

He led the team in South Africa earlier this year because Ramnaresh Sarwan was unavailable because of injury.

Gayle had to return home early after breaking his thumb but is now fully recovered and the selectors have decided to keep faith with him.

"I heard from Sarwan - he congratulated me. This thing won't affect us or get between us," said Gayle.

West Indies will play two Tests against Sri Lanka, the first starting on 22 March, followed by three one-day games.

The two sides last met in the Caribbean five years ago when West Indies won the Test series 1-0 but lost the one-dayers by a 2-1 margin.

The series is the first of a double-header for West Indies, with Australia arriving in May for a two-month tour.