Sport | Cricket

I'm a good reader of the game, says Gayle

Chris Gayle, the man who hit a breezy century against Bangladesh on Wednesday, feels that it is his responsibility to give his team a quick start and that he is delighted at having done it again.

  • By K.R. Nayar, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:34 May 3, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Reuters
  • West Indies’s Chris Gayle have already made waves in the qualifying round of the Champions Trophy being played in India.

Jaipur: Chris Gayle, the man who hit a breezy century against Bangladesh on Wednesday, feels that it is his responsibility to give his team a quick start and that he is delighted at having done it again.

Gayle spoke about his batting form and his role before flying out to Mumbai from Jaipur.

"All that I did was to adapt to the situation. We needed a good start and I managed it for my team," he said.

"It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. The ball kept low at times and I had to concentrate a lot."

Gayle mercilessly attacked the Bangladesh bowlers, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. "I feel they bowled at the right places. I adapted to the situation very well. I am a good reader of the game and that made the difference," said Gayle, who also revealed that he had a discussion with Chanderpaul on how much he should end up scoring.

"When I went for my shots and we were racing towards the target quickly, Chanderpaul came and told me: "Go for your shots and reach your century but make sure that I too complete my half century."

"We want to finish as the first team in the qualifiers. I would be delighted if I could get some runs for the team in the match," he remarked. Gayle said his fitness has improved over the years. "I go to the gym every day now. The fitter I feel, the better I bat."

Gayle feels that beating Sri Lanka will psychologically give his team a big boost to play in the next round.

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