Gayle awaits Bolt rematch

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

West Indies captain Chris Gayle says he is looking forward to a rematch with World and Olympic 100m and 200m champion Usain Bolt, during his second annual Chris Gayle Pro 15/15 Charity Festival at Kaiser Sports Club, St Ann on Saturday, October, 2nd.

Describing the first showdown between the two as fun, and one which the spectators enjoyed, Gayle said he was pleasantly surprised at the cricketing abilities of Bolt, but having seen what he is capable of he will be more prepared for the sprint superstar the second time around.

Bolt hit Gayle for a straight six before returning to bowl the lanky opener during last year's event.

"If he is here in the island, we expect him to play. Usain has a passion for cricket and is fairly fast with the ball. When we played last year, I hit a couple boundaries off him before he returned to bowl me out," said Gayle, with a smile.

"This year's challenge, however, will be different as I know what he is capable of, and I'm looking forward to the rematch and revenge. I also hope spectators will come out again in their numbers, as it is about giving back, and having a fun time" he added.

Promising players

The festival, which will see proceeds going towards the Heart Foundation, is again expected to parade a series of past and present West Indies players, and some of the most promising up-and-coming young cricketers in the country.

Among those listed thus far are Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Ridley Jacobs, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Dwayne Bravo, Sulieman Benn, Jerome Taylor, and Pakistan fast bowler Shaoib Aktar, who is commonly referred to as the "Rawalpindi Express".

"Chris, his mother and his brother, have heart problems, so this charity really means a lot him. So what we are trying to do is our best to help them out,"said Whylie Jervis, one of the event's organisers.