Gibson says there's a place for Gayle

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, July 2 (AFP) - West Indies coach Ottis Gibson said that Chris Gayle is well aware of what is required for him to rejoin the Caribbean team. Gibson was reacting to a lengthy, emotional statement from Gayle, describing efforts by the West Indies officials to reconcile with him as "a sham and a mockery". Gayle was overlooked for selection to the West Indies side now hosting test matches against India, and said he had decided to explore opportunities available to him elsewhere.

Gibson commented: "I do not think much about what is being said. My focus is with the team, and trying to get the team into shape.

"As you can see, though we are not batting very well, there has been a lot of improvement in the team, so that is my focus. "Whatever Chris or anyone else outside of the team bubble wants to say is completely up to them." Gibson said the matter was before the WICB directors now, and he would leave them to deal with it.

"Chris knows this, and it's got nothing to do with me anymore," he said.

"We had a meeting last weekend. Chris knows my stance, so if he chooses to come out and make statements, then that's up to him.

"The board knows my feelings on the whole thing, and we are trying to build a team, a team that can get competitive, and start to win.

"We have not been winning for a while, and everybody has a part to play in this, and Chris Gayle has a part to play in it - if he chooses.