Axed WI opener Barath welcomes Gayle’s return

West Indies opener Adrian Barath has said “it’s great” Chris Gayle is returning to the one-day squad — even if the recall has come, in part, at his expense

West Indies opener Adrian Barath has said “it’s great” Chris Gayle is returning to the one-day squad — even if the recall has come, in part, at his expense.

Former captain Gayle has been selected for the three-match one-day series against England later this month after a 14-month dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

“It’s great to have him back and he’ll lend experience to our players,” added the 22-year-old Trinidad batsman, who in 14 one-dayers has scored one hundred.

“We’re looking forward to having him in the set-up and everyone will learn from him. Having Chris in our team (makes it) a really solid team. The depth in our batting — with Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, the Bravos (Dwayne and Darren), Marlon Samuels, Andre Russell — once we get going in the powerplay it would be difficult to say how could we not chase a big score or set one.

“So once we get it right, we have a good ODI team and we’re working on getting there in Tests, also.”

Bowling options give Pakistan edge

PALLEKELE: Sri Lanka will look to improve their recent one-day record against Pakistan when they clash in a five-match series starting in Pallekele on Thursday.

The World Cup runners-up have lost five of their last six one-dayers against Pakistan, four in the United Arab Emirates last November and in the Asia Cup in Dhaka in March.

The key to Sri Lanka’s success will be a solid batting performance by Mahela Jayawardene’s men against a side that boasts a rich variety in both spin and pace bowling.

The spin trio of Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez have proved a handful for most rivals, helping Pakistan win 16 of their last 22 one-dayers. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami and Sohail Tanvir.