Gayle a major boost –Bravo

St GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC):

As the West Indies prepare to face England in the crucial third Colonial Medical Insurance one-day international against England today, batsman Darren Bravo has credited Chris Gayle for the team’s performance thus far.

The ninth-ranked Windies defeated the top-ranked visitors by 26 runs at Kensington Oval on Friday to tie the five-match series at 1-1.

While Bravo said the victory was a result of a team effort, he said Gayle’s presence in the dressing room had lifted the spirits of all the players.

“Think the fact that Chris is back there on top, his experience in the dressing room is priceless. He puts a smile on each and every player’s face and as you can see when we go out there we really enjoy our cricket.

“In the dressing room he’s always giving information. If you remember before the start of the game, he was chatting at nine in the evening with Nicholas Pooran about batting and stuff. He’s helping all the youngsters. We’re happy to have him, and, hopefully, he’ll get another 100 tomorrow [Monday],” Bravo said.

“He’s definitely a hero, not even a hero; he’s a legend. If you look at the stats he’s achieved a lot at international level, he’s a special player. We’re really happy to have him. He’s getting on a bit in age but he’s still striking the ball nicely so that is the most important thing.”

The experienced Bravo said the victory at Kensington Oval had given the side a huge boost of confidence.

If selected to play today, it will be Bravo’s 100th ODI for the West Indies.

Despite a lengthy absence away from the regional team, Bravo said he always believed he would achieve the milestone.

“I was quietly confident that I would be back. It’s a great feeling indeed to achieve 100 games, but I have to wait and see if I’m selected tomorrow, but, hopefully, I can contribute to a winning cause here in Grenada,” he said.