Jamaica’s captain Chris Gayle expressed his delight at winning the 2007 Regional KFC Limited overs title for his country, the first limited overs triumph for the Jamaicans since 1999.
In an invited comment shortly after lifting the championship trophy at the 3Ws’ Oval, Cave Hill, Barbados, Gayle told Stabroek Sport that the opportunity to bat first on the wicket, which was extended by defending champions Trinidad and Tobago was a blessing in disguise for his team.
“It was a good toss to win and had I won it, I myself would have batted first. They obviously had us on the run early on, but we stuck to our game plan and never gave up.
“We knew we would have won this competition from day one, and I must extend my compliments to the coaching staff for their time and effort invested in us. Having been in some trouble early on, we thought we would never get to the total we had visualised ourselves getting, but thanks to the late order batsmen, we managed to reach 230 and decided to stick it out from ball one.
“My special compliments to the bowlers who displayed a never-say-die attitude and kept urging every one on. Even though they had a few partnerships going for them, we never lost focus. Then Shawn (Findlay) came up with that spectacular catch and I think that that was the turning point for us. He did mention in the dressing room that he wanted to do something spectacular seeing that he did not get the chance to produce with the bat. Just look at what he came up with, two brilliant catches and a run out. ” Gayle continued.
When asked about Australia-born Brendon Nash and his gelling with the team, Gayle was quick to say:”Brendon has been a difference with our team this year. He brings a professional approach to the game, something that we have emulated and every game it has always been something new that he comes up with. He had a bad day today, but still he never gave up, as he kept urging us on at every opportunity. He is a gem to have in any team.
“Hopefully, the Jamaicans can return next year and repeat as champions, something the other countries would obviously have a say in.”
