We have gone for a slightly different angle in this week's selection of sports quotes. This week, we focus purely on the controversial statements made by West Indies captain Chris Gayle and the global reaction to it. The reason? Well, frankly, everything else pales in comparison...

Gayle states his point:

"I wouldn't be so sad [about the demise of Test cricket]. Some other players would be. Maybe Andrew Strauss would be sad. Maybe he will be sad if Test cricket dies and Twenty20 comes in. Because there is no way he can make the change. So tough luck. I like Twenty20. Who doesn't? Maybe a couple of the Englishmen wouldn't like to play Twenty20."

It is understandable that Gayle has this aloof, laid-back image going — which is plain to see in the way he plays the game as well — but these kinds statements are not becoming of the captain of a touring team in the lead-up to a Test match. Even more so if your team has been given right old hiding in the previous Test.

Obviously his comments did not fall on deaf ears, and a couple of West Indian legends, as well as his opposite number, had something to add...

Strauss hits back:

"It's more his issue than anything to do with the England team to be honest. I certainly feel that Test cricket is the primary format of the game. "

"I think the majority of the cricketers around the world feel that and certainly all the cricketers in the England team feel that as well. My view prior to the last Test match was, if that is the case, it needs to get the attention it deserves in terms of preparation and my views haven't changed on that...

"What does concern me is the future of the game of cricket and I believe very strongly Test cricket should continue to be the number one format of the game. It's the only game that really tests out your temperament, your technique, your hunger, your bravery, all those aspects of the game."

The articulate Andrew Strauss gets his point across well.

Sirs Richards and Sobers enter the fray:

"I think individuals should be a little careful with some of the things they say."

"I believe Chris still loves Test match cricket, and maybe he wouldn't have made these comments if he had been thinking clearly. I honestly feel that this is not what he genuinely believes, and if it is, it is a total betrayal of the game that raised him."

"Everyone has their opinion and Chris has expressed his. I believe that Test cricket is the pinnacle. He must remember that he made the West Indies team not because he was a good Twenty20 player, but because of his ability as a Test cricketer. He seems to have forgotten that the one-day games came out of Test cricket, and it was Test cricket which brought him to the world's attention." — Sir Vivian Richards

Sir Viv's comments raise an interesting question, however. Do players actually owe Test cricket anything? Test cricket is an abstract concept. It is not a living, breathing, tangible object. If anything, Test cricket owes the players that have allowed it to exist. Furthermore, Richards is certainly no saint either after his flirtation with the infamous Kerry Packer World Series and the riches it brought...

"I have not been in this position. If I was in that situation, I would try to combine both forms of the game of cricket. And if I could not do that, then I would feel that Test cricket would remain the top priority. It would not be an easy decision to make. But I was never in a position like Chris Gayle where I had to choose between something like the IPL and international cricket. I suppose he will make the decision he feels is best for him." — Sir Garfield Sobers

Sobers pretty much echoes what most Test cricketers feel. He hardly has a frame of reference though (as he admits), having played in a single One-Day International only, towards the end of his glistening career.

After the initial story broke, Gayle has since stated that he had been misquoted in the original report (surprise, surprise), but in what possible context could he have said it that would have made his statements any less damning?

Perhaps, as captain, he should rather have focused on his team. The same team that dropped six catches, bowled poorly and batted in a way that would have put a pub team to shame.

If Gayle indeed would prefer not be captain, then surely he should have been relieved of his duties and sent back to South Africa to join the 'injured' Dwayne Bravo in the IPL? (Yes, that is the same Dwayne Bravo who opened the batting for the Mumbai Indians against the Royals in IPL action last night.)

  • What do you think? Is Gayle being unreasonable? Is this just another storm in a tea-cup or is Test cricket doomed? Leave your comments below!
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