Chris Gayle : Tough for Windies to regain former Test glory

West Indies was the side to beat in Test cricket until the early 90s.

 “It will be difficult for West Indies to go back to where they were in Test cricket. The structure of modern day cricket is such that it will be difficult to regain those days of glory because of the advent of the shortest format and the interest that it has generated among the youngsters,” PTI  news agency quoted Gayle as saying.

“In longer formats, you need to concentrate more and have that game discipline in order to achieve consistency. If you look at our T20 success it is because of the short duration that helps one play their attacking game. So if you ask me about a turnaround (in Tests), it seems difficult as of now,” added the 37-year-old Jamaican.

“You cannot rule out the possibility that Gen Next in the Caribbean will be more inclined to play T20 leagues. If you are a professional cricketer, you would want to have a good career. With so many leagues across the globe, one needs to accept it as a reality today.”

A T20 professional, Gayle last played an ODI in March 2015.

“I am not playing in the Big Bash as I am spending time with my family and recuperating from an injury. I am eyeing a comeback during Pakistan Super League (PSL) and then the Indian Premier League,” he said.

“If I am fit and in form, I would still like to play for the West Indies, not only in T20 but in ODIs as well. If you ask me, I would like to play till the 2019 World Cup in England. That's a target I have set for myself.”