When the flamboyant Chris Gayle returned to the West Indies fold -- after a prolonged stay away from the national team owing to his issues with the Caribbean board and the coach, post the 2011 World Cup – it was expected that he would give the fans of the starving nation some reason for joy. He did so, playing a major hand in the West Indians lifting the T20 World Cup trophy last year even as Marlon Samuels stole the show in the final. And while he has continued to flourish in shortest format as well as the longest format of the sport, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the dashing left-hander in ODIs in recent times. Here’s a detailed observation of Gayle’s one-day struggles in numbers.
ODIs since January 1, 2012
In the period mentioned, Gayle has played 14 matches and has managed only 355 runs averaging under 28. This is in stark contrast to his overall career average of nearly 39. Even out of those 355 runs, 220 were scored in the home series against the weak New Zealanders. In that series, Gayle averaged 55 after five games with a highest of score of 125, his only century during this period. He got a half-century in the only ODI he played against England, but his remaining figures are miserable. In five matches that he played in Bangladesh, Gayle managed to gather only 72 with a highest score of 35 and an average of under 15. In the ongoing series against Australia, his figures are even more shocking. He has compiled only 10 runs in three games at an average of 3.33 and a highest of four. No wonder West Indies have lost all three matches and, with it, the series as well.
T20 stats during the same period
Counting from the beginning of last year, Gayle has featured in 11 T20 matches, and has amassed 368 runs at a splendid average of 46, his highest score being 85 not out against New Zealand. During this phase, he has played two games against Australia, and averages 129 with a highest of an unbeaten 75. Against England, he has featured in two matches and has ticked off 60 quick runs with an average of 30 and highest of 58. It has been against the Kiwis that he has been at his best. In three games against them, he smashed 168 runs at a whopping average of 85 and the aforementioned highest of 85.
Test stats since January, 2012
Gayle has featured in only four matches since the start of last year, but has made a significant impression in those as well. He has scored 318 runs, averaging 53 with one century. New Zealand were at the receiving end again, as he smashed 230 runs against them averaging over 76. It has been against Bangladesh that he disappointed once more, managing only 88 runs in two Tests against them, averaging under 30. Gayle will have a point to prove when West Indies take on Bangladesh next. Before that, he needs to get some runs against the Aussies in the remaining matches, to regain confidence.
--By A Cricket Analyst
