West Indies explosive opening batsman, Chris Gayle is scheduled to return to the squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa as announced by the selectors with the first Test to be played at Centurion from December 17.
Gayle had been suffering from a back injury for quite a long time that also kept him out of the recent tour of India which was called off mid-way by the Windies players owing to the payment dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), reports Reuters.
After facing legal actions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for pulling out mid-way from the then ongoing tour, a statement from the WICB said, “Selection is contingent upon their signing of the Match Tour Contract which was sent to each player selected on Tuesday November 11.”
WICB have given the players until Tuesday’s time to submit the newly signed contracts.
Sheldon Cottrell, the left-arm spinner from Antigua who made his Test debut in 2013 against India in the sub-continent was also included in the squad.
Clive Lloyd, the chairman selectors said, “There is a significant amount of international cricket to be played over the next six months, including test matches against some of the higher ranked teams in world cricket and as such it would be critical for the squad to get off on a positive note in South Africa.”
“Specifically we have selected young fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell who is a good prospect. The selection panel is looking to introduce players such as Cottrell who can contribute in moving West Indies cricket forward,” Lloyd added.a
South Africa vs West Indies 2014-15: Chris Gayle back to squad after injury for 1st Test
