-Gayle dedicates hundred to mother and eyes victory against Aussies
ADELAIDE, Australia, CMC – Chris Gayle yesterday dedicated his timely undefeated century to his mother and supporters and declared West Indies were eyeing a possible upset win over Australia.
Gayle’s colossal 155 not out, his first ever hundred against Australia, steered the West Indies to 284 for eight in their second innings – and a 296-run lead — at the close of the fourth day in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.
“I dedicate this century to everyone who has supported me and who has sent best wishes to me and my family,” said the big left-hander, whose mother was hospitalized last month.
Gayle, who left the tour briefly to be with his ailing mother, played one of the most controlled innings of his career and was rewarded with his 11th Test hundred and sixth outside of the Caribbean.
“It has been a long time, but I have managed to get a century against Australia. I always wanted to get a century against Australia and the support of my team-mates has been great,” he said.
So far, he has batted for close to seven hours and faced 271 balls, hitting 16 boundaries and a six.
Gayle’s knock – his third Test hundred this year — is also the highest score by a West Indian captain at Adelaide Oval beating Clive Lloyd’s 124 on the 1979/80 tour.
His other centuries this year were 104 against England in Jamaica in February and 102 in the same series in Trinidad when the West Indies won the Wisden Trophy.
Batting cautiously and showing impeccably uncharacteristic shot selection, the usually aggressive Gayle brought up triple figures with a sweep for three to deep fine leg, jumping in jubilation even before he had completed his first run.
He showed great patience and determination, with the century coming from 179 balls and including 12 fours.
He reached 150 off 260 balls, hitting another four boundaries and a big six over deep midwicket.
Entering today’s final day, Gayle believes the pressure is on the Australians, who had badly flogged the West Indies by an innings – inside three days – in the first Test at the Gabba.
“We are in a decent position and it would be good to get a win tomorrow (on Tuesday) and take it from there. I decided I needed to bat for a long time and guide the innings. As time went by it got easier, but I still had to make sure I stayed focused and did not give the Aussies a chance,” he said.
“The first session (on the final day) will be important. We will look to get some runs as quick as possible and then give it our best shot. We are seen as underdogs so we will give it all we have and look for a win,” added the 30-year-old Jamaican.
An upset win today for West Indies would place the Caribbean side in the unlikely position of having a shot at reclaiming the Frank Worrell Trophy when they go to Perth for the final Test on December 16.
“This would be a very good win for us. After losing so badly in the first Test match, to come here and put up such a good fight would be tremendous. It would be great for us as a team and the fans would have a lot to cheer about. It would be nice to go to Perth for the third match with the series level one-all,” said Gayle, who received good support from Shivnarine Chanderpaul (27) in a third-wicket stand of 72.
He also staged valuable partnerships of 61 for the fourth wicket with Brendan Nash (24) and 57 for the fifth wicket with Dwayne Bravo (22).
