BBC SPORT | Cricket | Counties | Gayle's growing reputation

A partial answer to the latter problem may be left-hand opener Chris Gayle, who joined the West Indies A tour to England straight from a successful Test and ODI series against New Zealand.

"I toured here in 2000, and though my only Test innings was a duck at Edgbaston, I scored well in the side matches. The ball does a lot here early in the day which, as an opener, is a challenge," he said.

Supporting role

Despite 23 Tests and 50 one-day internationals to his name, Gayle has played a secondary role to Devon Smith on the 'A' tour, and sat out the recent game against Warwickshire.

Although there is much talk of player burn-out, 22-year-old Gayle both needs and wants time in the middle.

"I've missed out on a few opportunities, not least in the recent India series. I've got starts but not capitalised on them, and lost concentration. As an opener, with added responsibility to assess the wicket, you can't afford that."

Chris Gayle hopes to set a new Test record before he retires
Breaking Lara's record of 375 is a career target

Question over Gayle's concentration may seem odd considering his growing collection of sizeable innings.

To that New Zealand double century, add 175 against Zimbabwe, a colossal undefeated 259 against a President's XI on the same tour, plus 208 not out in an unbroken stand of 425 with Leon Garrick for Jamaica, a record opening partnership in Caribbean cricket.

So when Gayle states his aim is to surpass Brian Lara's Test record 375, what may initially have seemed like an outrageous boast has to be taken seriously.

"I sit and think about it; it's a really big challenge but I can definitely achieve it. But first I must set myself a programme.

"It'll only happen once I've mastered the basics and everything is in place regarding my concentration, fitness and technique. Then if I can bat for a couple of days, the runs will come."

All-round talent

While Gayle's Test average of 35.18 looks modest, he's a clinical and brutal striker of the ball who trades heavily in boundaries, particularly strong driving through both point and cover.

Exceptional fielding skills and occasional right arm off-breaks add to his armoury.

With his career gaining momentum, and counting that doyen of West Indian commentators Tony Cozier among his admirers, Gayle's game would undoubtedly benefit from finding a regular opening partner.

Gayle hopes to be a big hit in South Africa next year
Gayle is looking forward to his first World Cup

There are several candidates - Ganga and Stuart Williams have both been tried, but fellow Jamaican Wavell Hinds has proved the most durable.

And Devon Smith?

"Definitely one for the future," said Gayle.

"This is his second summer touring England, following last year's outing with the Under 19s and he's scored heavily on both trips.

"He gives an innings momentum and hits the ball really hard, an exciting prospect."

As the carousel of international Tests and limited-overs tournaments turns on. Gayle's first World Cup is seven months away, but he's not thinking about it yet.

"We've this 'A' tour, two Test series and the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka before that; you really do have to take them one at a time".


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