Chris Gayle's off stump goes flying after being bowled by Munaf Patel for 83 on the first day of the third Test against India in St. Kitts yesterday. - DELLMAR
BASSETERRE, St Kitts (Reuters):
CHRIS GAYLE was disappointed to miss out on a century on the first day of the third Test against India yesterday.
The West Indies opener blasted 83 off 127 balls, including eight fours and five sixes, before he left a delivery from fast bowler Munaf Patel and was bowled.
The West Indies ended a rain-shortened day on 207 for one after winning the toss. Play started after lunch because of a wet outfield.
"I am very disappointed, it's been a while since I've scored a Test century and I really worked hard to try and achieve it," Gayle said.
"But I am strong guy and I'm looking forward to keeping the fight going.
"In the next game or the next innings, maybe I can achieve it."
Gayle maintained his good form in the series and passed 4,000 runs in Tests.
The left-hander made 72 and 69 in the first Test in Antigua and followed that with 46 and two in the second one in St. Lucia.
WORKING ON CONSISTENCY
"One of the things I'm trying to work on is being more consistent," Gayle said. "It is working so far, but I keep missing out on three figures.
"I try to be aggressive at the start of the innings; whenever I'm aggressive I'm in control of the game more.
"That's one of the things I've been working on."
West Indies captain Brian Lara lauded Gayle for his contribution.
"It was another excellent knock," Lara told reporters. "I don't know if I am more disappointed than he is, but out of the five innings he has played so far he has played four very good innings."
"It is unfortunate he hasn't reached a triple-figure score, and when it comes the floodgates will open.
"But it was another responsible knock, Chris is improving."
Meanwhile at stumps, Ganga was 64 not out with Ramnaresh Sarwan on 44 in a stand of 64 for the unbroken second wicket.
The slow-scoring Ganga needed 184 balls to eke out his runs and he hit just six fours.
