The left-handed Gayle managed just seven from five balls at the MCG as West Indies faltered for 143 in pursuit of Australia’s 256.
All-rounder Shane Watson and left-arm swing bowler Doug Bollinger both said they would continue to keep the tall, free-scoring Jamaican cramped at the crease with controlled length bowling.
“That is the big key to him, you don’t want to give him room to swing his arms,” said Watson, who was voted Man-of-the-Match for his top score of 59.
“Dougy bowled beautifully to him, there was a little bit of swing, and a bit of extra bounce with that new ball.
“That is our plan, to keep him tucked up and hope he might hit a pull-shot up in the air or go for one shot too many.”
Gayle looked unconvincing at the crease and he was the first to fall, sparking a collapse from which the Windies never recovered.
Bollinger, who finished with two for 18 from six overs, accounted for Gayle as the batsmen attempted to pull a delivery too close to him and skied a catch to mid off.
“We know how quick he can score and how hard he hits the ball. I think [the solution is] just bowling really tight to him and just being really consistent because he’s a match-winner – everyone knows that,” said Bollinger.
“Because he’s such a match-winner, if we get him out early that’s a massive boost … especially if they’re chasing a target.”
