Chris Gayle hints at possible West Indies Test return

Chris Gayle, West Indies’ flamboyant opener, could end his Test cricket exile in 2018 after being out of the side for four years.

Chris Gayle has not ruled out a return to Test cricket after the stand-off between the nation’s star players and cricket board was ended.

Chris Gayle last played a Test for the West Indies in 2014. (IDI via Getty Images)

Gayle has not represented the Windies in the longest format of the game since 2014, as the West Indies Cricket Board quarrelled with him and other players that have focused on franchise Twenty20 cricket.

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The 37-year-old has remained part of the Windies’ powerhouse T20 team, winning the World Twenty20 last year, and will make his first one-day international appearance since March 2015 in the upcoming series with England.

He goes into the opening game at Old Trafford in good form having made 40 from 21 deliveries in their 20-over win over Eoin Morgan’s side at Durham on Saturday, having become the first man to hit 100 T20i sixes in the process, and Gayle’s desire for more landmark moments could prompt a Test return.

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“Maybe next year I’ll try to take that challenge up. I’ll see what happens.”

Chris Gayle’s immediate attention, however, is on his ODI return as he sets his sights on the 2019 World Cup.

“I’m looking forward to the 50-over [matches] because it’s been two years since I played a 50-over game,” he added.

“That’s more important, I’m looking forward to that.”