Gayle making his mark

Gayle ... wants to see the West Indies on top again.

WE MAY be on the verge of something special.

When the Red Stripe Bowl one-day competition bowls off tomorrow with Jamaica taking on the Northern Windwards at Alpart, the hosts will parade one of if not the best batting line-ups in the region and at its core are five 'twentysomethings' who have already represented the West Indies.

Leon Garrick, Wavell Hinds, Marlon Samuels, Ricardo Powell and Chris Gayle represent a treasure trove of young batting talent.

The law of averages suggests it's unlikely all the islanders will go on to carve out top-notch international careers but on recent form at least one appears ready to take regional cricket by the scruff of the neck and propel it back to the top.

Christopher Henry Gayle, who turned 22 earlier this month, is starting to stamp his authority with the West Indies team.

His numbers aren't gaudy. In his 11 Tests he has an average of 36.35 and in 34 international one-dayers it's a less than inspiring 27.46 but he's a work in progress.

During a recent tour of Africa he made runs like they were going out of style including his first Test ton, a whopping 175 against Zimbabwe.

The bowling attacks of Zimbabwe and Kenya hardly strike fear in the hearts of batsmen but you still have to go out there and get the job done.

One on One caught up with the left-handed opener during Jamaica's final Bowl trial match at Sabina Park on Saturday.

QUESTION: Who has had the biggest influence on your career so far?

CHRIS GAYLE: My family. They have always been there for me whenever I need them. A lot of them play cricket so there is always someone available to bowl to me. I have five brothers and one sister.

Q: Growing up which players did you admire and wish you could bat like?

CG: I wouldn't say bat like because everyone has their own style. I really admire Brian (Lara), a top-class player. There are a lot of great batsmen around the world but I just try and play my own game and not compete with anyone.

Q: Who is the best bowler you have faced?

CG: I have faced a lot of great bowlers. Wasim Akram for one but there's a lot of great bowlers. I can't really name them all -- Akram is very dangerous.

Q: What would make you happiest in cricket?

CG: To see the West Indies on top again. We have a lot of talent but we need to really come together as a team but it won't be easy.

Q: You have had quite a few opening partners in your career, do you have a preferred partner?

CG: Not really. A lot of people talk about me and Daren (Ganga) and Garrick. I have opened with Garrick since youth cricket and played the Under-19 World Cup with Daren. I have an understanding with both of them.

Q: You come up against Sri Lanka next and a guy called Muttiah Muralitharan. Have you seen the spinner before?

CG: I faced him once in a one-day game and he got me out. There were only two overs to spare.

Q: What do you attribute your recent strong form and hunger for runs to?

CG: It comes down to one word - focus. Focus on your target of what you really want. Cricket is really a mind game. Once you have your head and your body, trust me, you will do good things.

Q: It hasn't been all smooth sailing for you and there were reports of discipline problems during the 2000 tour of England.

CG: To be honest, I can't say because no one came to me or cleared up anything with me.

Q: What do you do to relax?

CG: I watch TV, go to the movies, sleep and listen to music. I like Beenie Man and Capleton and comedies.

Q: Do you play any other sports?

CG: I love football.

Q: What do you think the future holds for you now?

CG: I just have to take it one step at a time. One thing I would love is to be more consistent -- to score runs on a consistent level.

Q: Do you have any plans for after cricket?

CG: Not at the moment.

- Tym Glaser

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