Wavell Hinds (left), Marlon Samuels (centre) and Chris Gayle at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday shortly after their arrival from South Africa. -Michael SlolelyAnthony Foster, Freelance Writer
FOUR of five Jamaicans on the West Indies team which failed to advance to the Super Six stage of the 2003 World Cup returned to the island yesterday from South Africa.
Batsmen Marlon Samuels, Wavel Hinds and Chris Gayle and pacer Jermaine Lawson arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport at 5:50p.m. The fifth Jamaican, Ricardo Powell, who played in all six matches in the preliminary round, travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to visit his wife.
A disappointed Gayle, one of two West Indies players to score a century in the World Cup, told The Gleaner that the experience was a very good one for him.
"We did not get where we wanted to go, but these things do happen in cricket," the West Indies opener said.
"I was a bit disappointed with my form at the beginning of the tournament. I did not get the runs I was looking for. However, in the last two games I got a half century and a century and I am proud of that.
"Basically, what we need to look at now are the positives from the World Cup and take it into our next series.
"We played some good cricket all round, but at the end all the guys were very disappointed," he added.
Gayle, who scored 206 runs with a top score of 119 against Kenya, admitted he still needs to put in a lot of work ahead of the Australian tour scheduled for next month.
He said he will be available for Jamaica's next Carib Beer game against India 'A' at Sabina Park on Friday.
"We are here to play cricket and I don't have any reason not to play," Gayle said.
Meanwhile, Lawson, who only bowled eight overs in the 2003 tournament said he was disappointed not to be among the earlier starters.
He played in only the West Indies' last match against Kenya, but was unable to complete his 10-over spell.
"During my seventh over I felt a little strain on my thigh, but decided I would try one more over. However, it was getting worse so I decided to go off the field and get some treatment," Lawson, who took 2-16 against Kenya said.
Unlike Gayle, Lawson said unsure about his availability for selection on Jamaica's team for the India 'A' game.
