Chris Gayle Returns to Windies ODI Squad Ahead of World Cup

Chris Gayle last played an ODI for the West Indies back in July 2018 against Bangladesh at home.

(Photo: AP) 

Chris Gayle is all set to make a comeback to international cricket after the cricketer was named in the West Indies ODI squad for the first two matches against England.

Wicket keeper batsman Nicholas Pooran earned his maiden call-up in the 50-over format as cricket West Indies announced their 14-man squad on Thursday.

Gayle last played an ODI for the West Indies back in July 2018 against Bangladesh at home. Since then he had made himself unavailable for selection. Therefore, he missed the India and Bangladesh series, while he was away playing in the Afghanistan Premier League and the T10 League.

According to Courtney Browne, the Chairman of Selectors, the home series against England will be preparations for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

“We welcome the return of Chris Gayle who missed the last two series and Ashley Nurse from injury. We are pleased to introduce Nicholas Pooran to the ODI squad for the first time. He is clearly a young player with undoubted talent and we believe he can add value to our middle order. Shannon Gabriel remains very much in our World Cup plans but with a heavy workload expected in the Test series he will be considered for selection later in the ODI series.”

Courtney Browne, the Chairman of Selectors

Meanwhile, Marlon Samuels will not play the first two ODIs due to a knee injury. Test team captain Jason Holder, Ashley Nurse and Evin Lewis will also return to the squad.

Gayle is the second most capped West Indies player with 284 matches. The 39-year-old is also the second highest run-scorer with 9,727 runs, behind only West Indies great Brian Lara - who has 10,405 runs from 299 matches.

Gayle has scored the most number of centuries by a West Indian in ODI, with 23, as well as the highest score of 215. Gayle has also picked up 165 wickets in ODIs.