Gayle rethinking his retirement decision

What’s the story?

After a whirlwind century in the fourth ODI against England in Grenada, Chris Gayle has stated that he might just rethink his decision of retiring from the 50-over format after the 2019 World Cup. Gayle was in smashing form yesterday and scored 162 runs which is also his second highest score in the one-day format. Speaking after the game, Gayle said "It was a fantastic game of cricket. I've been playing a lot of T20 cricket so it's always going to be a difficult coming back into 50-over cricket. But eventually the body gets accustomed to the 50-over format."

"I just have to work on the body and then maybe you can see a bit more Chris Gayle, maybe. Things change quickly. Hopefully, the body can change in the next couple of months and we can see what happens. What's the matter with the body? I'm nearly 40. But could I un-retire? We'll see. We'll take it slowly."

In case you didn’t know...

The “Universe Boss”, aged 39 now, had stated only 10 days ago his desire to retire from one-dayers.

Speaking to the press, he had said, "Yes, I'm looking to draw the line after the World Cup. Or should I say cut the string? Definitely, in 50-over cricket, the World Cup is the end for me. I'll let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand and watch them have some fun.”

The heart of the matter

Chris Gayle has been in sensational form of late. He has scored 347 runs from three innings against the World No.1 side England, including two hundreds and one fifty.

In the first ODI against England, he hammered 135 runs. In the fourth ODI yesterday, he played brilliantly during his knock of 162 runs. Chasing a mammoth score of 419, the West Indies were kept in the game by Gayle, who blunted the England attack with 11 fours and 14 sixes, but things fell apart once he departed.

What's next?

Gayle’s revival has reignited hope amongst the West Indies faithful, and it looks like the Windies will be a potent force in the upcoming 50-over World Cup in England.

West Indies face England in the fifth ODI on 2nd March at Gros Islet.