PROLIFIC opener Chris Gayle is hoping for a fairytale ending to his One-Day International (ODI) career with the West Indies defying the odds to win the prestigious World Cup in England.
Gayle, 39, confirmed his pending retirement after a practice session at Kensington Oval yesterday ahead of Wednesday’s start to the five-match ODI series against England.
“Yes, I am looking actually to draw the line after the World Cup or should I say cut the string there? Definitely, in 50-over cricket, the World Cup is the end for me and then, I will let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back and go into the Party Stand and watch them having some fun,” Gayle said.
The veteran of 284 ODIs, in which he has amassed 9 727 runs at an average of 37.12 with 23 centuries – the most by a West Indian – said it was very possible the Windies, who had to play qualifiers to guarantee a World Cup berth, can triumph despite their lowly ranking.
“Absolutely, winning the World Cup would be a fairytale finish. I think the youngsters owe it to me to win. They have to do that for me and definitely try and get me the trophy but I will be looking to actually put my input into it as well to determine it,” Gayle said.
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