Gayle’s focus on rest

KINGSTON – Chris Gayle has brushed aside the raging firestorm over his snub as Jamaica skipper and the subsequent calls for him to stand down as West Indies captain. Speaking on his return to the island following the Caribbean Twenty20 Trophy in Trinidad and Tobago, Gayle said the calls for him to be sacked were “no distraction”.“I am not even focusing on that right now to be honest  . . .,” Gayle said.“I am just here to enjoy myself and to enjoy the break as well, so I am not really paying any attention to that right now.”Jamaica selectors overlooked Gayle as captain for the national side, choosing instead to go with Tamar Lambert.The move sparked speculation over Gayle’s continued tenure as West Indies captain, with West Indies Cricket Board director Azim Bassarath openly criticising the Jamaican’s handling of the regional squad and calling for his axing.“I have said it before that after observing Chris Gayle for the T20 World Cup, I am of the view that he is not a good captain,” Bassarath said recently.“He is a confused man when it comes to leading the team and the JCA (Jamaica Cricket Association) seems to have supported my view that he is not the best choice. I personally think that he is a poor captain.”The 30-year-old opener said he would now focus on getting plenty rest before West Indies started touring again later this year.“I got a couple days [rest] so hopefully I can rebound again  .  . .,” Gayle said. “[There are a] couple tours coming up and I am looking forward to them. [There’s] the 50-over format of the regional tournament and then we have the Sri Lankan tour. I am just going to enjoy the break right now.” (CMC)