Gayle praises West Indies despite defeat

West Indies Captain, Chris Gayle has praised his side’s effort in defeat, but expressed sadness over losing 2-0 in the three-match Test series against Australia yesterday.



The Australians smothered a threatening bid by West Indies to triumph by 35 runs on the fifth day of the third and final Test against Australia at the WACA.



Gayle said he is very happy for the players and the way they played, but very disappointed as well.



Australia had taken the lead in the series after crushing West Indies by an innings and 65 runs in the opening Test in Brisbane and retained the Frank Worrell Trophy following the drawn second Test in Adelaide where West Indies held the upper hand.



Young Players Adrian Barath and pacer Kemar Roach emerged from the series as new promising talent from West Indies and Gayle applauded their contribution to the team.



Gayle was the third Test Man of the Match for his terrific first innings hundred of 102.



Tail-enders Gavin Tonge and Roach kept the touring side’s slim hopes of an upset win alive when chasing a target of 359 they added 15 runs to the West Indies’ overnight 308 for 9. However, left-arm seamer Doug Bollinger snatched the vital last wicket when he had Roach caught at the wicket for 17.



The batsman challenged the decision and though the TV replays in the referral period suggested there was no edge, umpire Billy Bowden’s original verdict was upheld.