Gayle out of Ireland ODI

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Opener Chris Gayle will miss West Indies’ One-Day International against Ireland at Sabina Park today.

Gayle, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury which sidelined him for the tours of India and New Zealand, played in the opening Twenty20 match against the Irish on Wednesday but was left out of the second and final match on Friday.

Captain Darren Sammy said Gayle’s omission was out of an abundance of caution after he complained of stiffness in his lower back.

“He is really working hard on his fitness, but this morning he was feeling just a little soreness in his lower back and we decided we are not going to take the chance,” said Sammy.

“He is very important for us and we have already lost the services of (injured Kieron) Pollard so we are giving Chris the best possible chance for him to be fit and recover nicely for us to use him in the future.”

West Indies levelled the two-match T20 series with a 11-run victory on Friday after Ireland won the opening match by six wickets.