Chris Gayle raised his bat to the Rowl Bowl crowd as he walked off the ground two days ago.
Having entertained the spectators with a quick-fire 40 came off 29 balls and that contained five sixes, including three in succession, it could hardly have been a gesture to acknowledge his performance on the day.
A more appropriate conclusion was that it was a signal by the devastating West Indies opening batsman that it was his final international appearance in England.
Given that Gayle will be a few months shy of his 40th birthday when the 2019 World Cup is played in England, it is unrealistic to believe that his ageing body will be able to withstand the physical demands of the 50-over game for another 24 months. (HG)
Please read the full story in today’s Sunday Sun, or in the eNATION edition.
