Gayle only Windies batsman in ICC top 30

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

Talismanic opener Chris Gayle is the only West Indian in the top 30 of the latest International Cricket Council One-Day International batting rankings released yesterday.

The table is headed by prolific South African right-hander Hashim Amla, who consolidated his top-rated status with heavy scoring in the ongoing series against England.

Gayle has risen one spot to 25th, following on from his impressive form in the recent series against New Zealand, where he lashed a century and a half-century.

This is despite spending nearly 18 months on the sidelines because of an impasse with the West Indies Cricket Board.

POLLARD, RUSSELL IN 30s

Big-hitting Kieron Pollard lies 32nd in the rankings with exciting all-rounder André Russell 35th.

In the bowlers' rankings, mystery off-spinner Sunil Narine remained unmoved at 12th as Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal took over the top spot from teammate Mohammad Hafeez.

Right-armer Narine finished with 13 wickets in the five-match series against the Kiwis to claim the Man-of-the-Series honour.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach lies 22nd with Ravi Rampaul 25th.