KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- Jamaica is pressing ahead with plans to celebrate the 100th test match of flamboyant West Indies opener Chris Gayle, the country’s Cricket Association president Wilford Heaven has revealed
The match is set for June 8 at Sabina Park between West Indies and New Zealand as part of three Tests and two Twenty20 internationals.
“We are not quite sure as to what exactly the West Indies Cricket Board has in store for the occasion,” said Heaven, who lead the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA).
“However, as the host territory, we intend to make the milestone a memorable one”.
The 34-year-old Gayle, who made his Test debut in 2000, has scored 6,933 runs in the format at an average of 42.01.
This includes 15 centuries and 34 half-centuries with a highest individual score of 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010.
Activities planned for his test milestone feature partnerships with interests in the tourism, entertainment and culture sectors, including the Jamaica Tourist Board.
“The aim is to have presentations and activities before, during and potentially after the match, that will signify to the world how proud we are to have a Chris Gayle,” said Heaven.
“He is a national icon, who has represented the country and the region well, and we want him and the world to know that we appreciate his efforts”.
Gayle has the distinction of being one of four players in the history of the game to have scored two triple centuries.
The others are Australian Sir Donald Bradman, fellow West Indian Brian Lara and Indian Virender Sehwag.
