JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC):

West Indies vice-captain and opening batsman Chris Gayle suffered an injury scare in yesterday's World Twenty20 warm-up match but is considered 'fully available' for tomorrow's opening match against South Africa.

The West Indies issued a release late yesterday saying the 27-year-old left-hander retired hurt - after scoring only five - against New Zealand only as a precautionary measure.

"Gayle retired hurt as a precautionary measure after being hit on the side of his right knee by fast bowler Chris Martin. Gayle had been hit in the same area while practising in the nets on Thursday last at Centurion and the initial hit had caused external bruising," the West Indies release stated.

"After being hit a second time, Gayle did not want to risk further aggravation of the injury which could have possibly jeopardized his participation in the crucial opening game on September 11th at Wanderers against South Africa.

"Gayle remains fully available for that game and is expected to participate fully in the West Indies training session on Monday (today), September 10th at Wanderers," the release concluded.