Kingston, June 26 (Inditop.com) West Indies captain Chris Gayle said his team will have to shake off fatigue and focus on winning the four-match One-day series against India, starting Friday.
West Indies toured New Zealand in December-January, hosted England in March-April, and then had an unscheduled tour of England in May to play two Tests and three ODI before making it to the World Twenty20 semi-final.
“There might be a bit of fatigue there, but it is something we have looked at and our focus is to get out there and get the job done. We try and put these things aside and focus on cricket,” Gayle said ahead of their first ODI against India at Sabina Park Friday.
“It is never a walkover against India. There are a lot of guys there to give us a lot of trouble, so we just have to stick to the game plan and make it succeed.”
The skipper said pacer Jerome Tayor would play an important role in the series in the absence of inured Fidel Edwards.
“I hope Jerome can be strong for us in this series. He has a big part to play,” said Gayle.
Gayle also said he was looking forward to seeing Darren Bravo’s international debut, but wants the left-hander to simply enjoy the experience if selected for the opening ODI.
“It is good to have the likes of Bravo in the team. He has been getting a few runs in the domestic competition so he has been batting really well and we have been looking at him,” Gayle said.
“He has gotten his opportunity now against a good competitive team and hopefully he can stamp his authority.”
Bravo was one of several changes made to the side, with Runako Morton, Narsingh Deonarine and Ravi Rampaul returning to the squad.
Gayle said Lendl Simmons, who had an impressive World Twenty20 tournament in England, would be missed.
“The squad was selected right after (tour to) England, prior to the World Twenty20 Championship. He (Simmons) played well in the Twenty20, but he didn’t get many runs in the England (ODIs) so it’s one of those things,” Gayle explained.
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