By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

WEST INDIES opening batsman Chris Gayle and Wavell Hinds returned to the island yesterday, after helping the West Indies to win its first major title in 25 years ­ the ICC Champions Trophy ­ with a two-wicket win over England.

Hinds, who took three wickets for 24 in Saturday's final, told The Gleaner upon his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday that the victory was due to teamwork and the fact that the players wanted to lift the spirit of the Caribbean people after Hurricane Ivan.

"The team played really well. I think we moulded as a team and given the drama that has happened in the Caribbean with Hurricane Ivan, I think the guys, being in such a comfortable situation in England, felt sorrowful.

"We played our hearts out for the people in the Caribbean," Hinds said.

He said that although Gayle and himself never got the start they anticipated, "... it's 11 of us playing and at any given time, we can always back up each other. I think we played a superb team game, all 14 persons contributed," added Hinds while giving mention to the reserves.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

He also gave credit to the management team, who he said did a wonderful job.

According to Gayle, "...We couldn't have asked for a better prize. I am really proud, all the guys are going home with their heads up high."

Gayle, who scored 129 runs at an average of 34.75, said the victory "...really opened my eyes... I recognised a lot more in life".

The left-handed Gayle said he was disappointed when he and Hinds failed to get the start the team needed, but in retrospect added:

"Most teams always lose early wickets and the batsmen in the middle always capitalise and take it home," said Gayle, who took seven wickets in the tournament.

Both players, who were well-received by fans at the airport, said the ninth-wicket 71-run stand between Ian Bradshaw and Courtney Browne was the highlight of the game.

Hinds said they went mad after the thrilling win.

"We all went mad, and I think, given the fact that we are playing for the region. Given the drama of the hurricane, and we in England being very safe, and thinking that we should think selfless and remember the people back home, who are homeless, we had to win," Hinds said.

He said the victory was to give the Caribbean a big lift.

DISAPPOINTED

Regarding his personal performance, Hinds said he was disappointed with the bat, but made up somewhat with the ball.

"I am always a batsman first and given the start I got for the first game, I would have expected more of myself. That did not come off, but I was asked to perform in a different capacity for the sake of the team and I think I put my best foot forward."

Hinds scored 105 runs from four matches, this after getting 82 in the first match against Bangladesh.

When asked what were the vibes in the dressing room when Shivnarine Chanderpaul went, Hinds said: "We were always positive and focused. We were of the fact that once we have wickets in hand, there was no way that England could have restricted us and stopped us from getting the total," said Hinds.