Gayle could be out for weeks - Logie

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Should Jamaica advance to next weekend's final of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-day Tournament, they are likely to be without injured opener Chris Gayle.

According to coach Gus Logie, Gayle, who was affected by an abdominal muscle injury during the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup, has since undergone a series of medical assessments and reports are that he could be out for a couple of weeks.

"From what we understand, he did a scan and there was a tear with one of his abdominal muscles and he is also dealing with a hernia situation," said Logie, shortly before the team's departure for the semi-final clash against Trinidad and Tobago at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.

"We were also informed that he could be out for a few weeks," he added.

Big loss for team

Logie, who is in his first season as coach of Jamaica, who are seeking a record fourth straight hold on the title, also explained that Gayle's absence was a big loss for the team.

"Any time one goes into a contest you always want to have your best players as well," he said.

"But as has been the case since the start of the season when senior players are away, it's an opportunity for players to step up and show that they deserve to be playing at this level."

He added: "It also provides an opportunity for administrators to assess their feeder programmes and see if they are working effectively."

Gayle was one of three Jamaican players who were part of the West Indies team during the World Cup.

The others are fast bowler Andre Russell and left-arm spinner Nikita Miller. Russell is currently playing in the Trinidad and Tobago match, while Miller, it is understood, has requested time off due to fatigue.