Lara pat for super Gayle

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara feels Chris Gayle’s return to form with a blistering double century against Zimbabwe in Canberra augurs well for the Caribbean side ahead of tough clashes against South Africa and India.

Asked whether West Indies opponents now should feel scared after Gayle’s knock, Lara said: “Very much so. Chris played very well. I felt he was a bit conservative in his first 100, scored it in more than a run-a-ball. But he took off after that and was great to watch. Marlon Samuels also played a very supportive role.

“It is great for West Indies team at present. Their morale must be high now after the victories against Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

“They have two very tough games coming up against South Africa and India. But Chris Gayle in form can always be a danger,” Lara told a television channel.