Plunkett up for Gayle contest

AFP, CHESTER-LE-STREET (UK): England fast bowler Liam Plunkett is excited by the prospect of facing West Indies' big-hitter Chris Gayle in an upcoming one-day international series.

Veteran left-handed opener Gayle gave England a taste of what they can expect in the five-match ODI clash with a typically rapid 40 as World Twenty20 champions West Indies beat England by 21 runs in the lone T20 international of their tour in Durham on Saturday.

A sell-out crowd were rewarded for braving a cold and rainswept night in Chester-le-Street by the sight of Gayle smashing three fours and four sixes in just 21 balls.

It was a reminder that the 37-year-old Jamaican has lost none of his power at the crease and England are preparing for more of the same when the ODI campaign starts at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

“I don't think anyone knows (how to bowl to Gayle) do they?" said Plunkett. "He's such a good player he just hits the ball out of the park wherever he wants.”

None of the West Indies side that played on Saturday featured during their recent 2-1 Test series loss in England.

Plunkett up for Gayle contest

AFP, CHESTER-LE-STREET (UK): England fast bowler Liam Plunkett is excited by the prospect of facing West Indies big-hitter Chris Gayle in an upcoming one-day international series. Veteran left-handed opener Gayle gave England a taste of what they can expect in the five-match ODI clash with a typically rapid 40 as World Twenty20 champions West Indies beat England by 21 runs in the lone T20 international of their tour in Durham on Saturday. A sell-out crowd were rewarded for braving a cold and rainswept night in Chester-le-Street by the sight of Gayle smashing three fours and four sixes in just 21 balls. It was a reminder that the 37-year-old Jamaican has lost none of his power at the crease and England are preparing for more of the same when the ODI campaign starts at Old Trafford on Tuesday. I dont think anyone knows (how to bowl to Gayle) do they? said Plunkett. Hes such a good player he just hits the ball out of the park wherever he wants. None of the West Indies side that played on Saturday featured during their recent 2-1 Test series loss in England.