Chrys Gayle kneels on pitch

Richard Dwight

Chrys Gayle apart from his 317 against South Africa in 2005 and a few intermittent double centuries, did not in recent times bat according to his reputation to just occasionally score the odd 40 or 60 runs. Perhaps this may have been the reason, why he stepped down as captain for Darren Sammy to lead the side.

This does appear to be the right move which resulted in Sri Lanka being in the receiving end for a gale struck the Galle International Cricket Stadium, where Chrys stormed in with a vengeance to make amends for his previous low scores.

Gayle meticulous as he was at the start, was pleasing to watch as he grew in confidence, where he middled the ball flawless with mature experience. The bowling to him was innocuous, weak and he with characteristic disdain square cut, drove, pulled and hooked with effortless ease. His belligerence had not left him and in defiance he clobbered 9 sixes and 38 fours, which undoubtedly did give the fielders some respite.

His batting so assuredly did spur Barath, Bravo and Nash to score their respective half centuries.

It was significant to watch, Chrys Gale, on reaching his 300, walking towards the centre of the pitch and humbly falling on his knees and throwing his arms heaven wards in gratitude - indeed a good lesson to the youngsters.