Manchester: Curtly Ambrose, former West Indies pace great, has thrashed hard-hitting Windies opener Chris Gayle for his decision to end his international career by playing a Test match against India. Ambrose even went on to say that Gayle's decision is a retrograde step that will send a wrong message to youngsters in the island nations.
After a 125-run defeat to India knocked West Indies out of the World Cup, Ambrose, who is in England doing radio commentary, also seemed unhappy with the "lack of application and clarity of thought" in their youngsters.
Asked about Gayle going back on his retirement plans and instead of playing one last Test against India, Ambrose made no bones about what he thought of the dashing Jamaican's decision.
"If Chris Gayle wants to play an ODI series or a T20 series, well, that's not a problem. In terms of Test matches for me is a no-no," Ambrose said.
"Gayle hasn't played Test matches for five years. There you go... Bringing him back for one Test, I think, is a backward step. What kind of message are you sending to the younger players? ODIs and T20s are not a problem as he still is a destructive player but Test matches, no, definitely not," said the fearsome fast bowler of the 1980s and 90s, who took 405 wickets in 98 Tests.
