PERFORMER OF THE WEEK - Skipper Gayle's majestic knock a saving grace
Published: Saturday | December 27, 2008
Chris Gayle reacts after being dismissed for 197, caught by New Zealand's Brendon McCullum off the bowling of Jeetan Patel on the fifth day of the second Test at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand, on Tuesday. - AP
JAMAICA BATSMAN Chris Gayle scored a majestic 197 to save the West Indies in the second and final Test against New Zealand on Tuesday in Napier. Gayle's century made sure the West Indies drew the series.
Facing a target of 312 in 60 overs, New Zealand got to 220 for five when both captains, Gayle and Daniel Vettori, called off the match.
The West Indies, who resumed the final day on 278 for seven posted a competitive total thanks to Gayle's majestic century.
With stoic support from Fidel Edwards, 20, they forged a 70-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Gayle's 8 1/2 hours at the crease ended in freakish circumstances.
He turned a loose delivery from off-spinner Jeetan Patel down the leg side but the ball hit the foot of wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum and bounced up into his gloves.
Gayle faced 396 deliveries, struck 20 fours and seven sixes. Shortly after his dismissal, the West Indies' innings ended at 375 just on lunch.
Earlier, on the fourth day, Gayle featured in an 124-run stand with fellow Jamaican Brendan Nash, who scored his second successive half-century, 65, to lift the West Indies out of trouble.
- Anthony Foster
