I arrived in Pakistan with a stomach bug which I picked up just before the final of the ICC Champions Trophy. That put me out of action and practice for a couple of days. I haven’t really had a chance to do much fitness work but I will be ready for the first test starting on Saturday. I had a hit in the nets today (Friday) and I felt okay and I am looking forward to tomorrow.
The conditions are different from India; it’s a bit overcast and the Pakistanis are a dangerous side at home. It will be very challenging first up. It will be additionally challenging for me with the games starting as early as 9:30am. We are coming from two months of playing games that started at 2:30pm and I got sort of accustomed to that. I will now have to be up from 7:30am and that will be difficult because I am not accustomed to getting up so early. But I am a professional; that is what I am here to do so I have to do it.
From a team point of view, all the guys are looking comfortable and they are also looking forward to the game ahead. This first Test is key for us; hopefully we can make it a good one to try and start off well.
**A lot has been said about Pakistan by many people but so far Pakistan looks very good to me and we have settled in nicely. The facilities are great and the hotel is fantastic. In fact it has been the best hotel we have stayed at on this tour so far.
The way some people speak of Pakistan you can understand why a lot of cricketers think that they would not look forward to coming here but being here is a totally different experience. The place is lovely, Lahore is a very nice city and the people have taken excellent care of us. We are aware that the cricket will not be easy but we have to enjoy each and every day that we are here and I think it would be fun. I am very impressed with Pakistan so far since this is my first time here.**
On a personal note I have to mention how honoured I am to win the ICC Champions Trophy Man-of-the-Tournament award. I think the manner which I batted during the tournament really motivated me to work harder at my game. That’s one-day cricket; it’s tough and not only do I want to do well in ODI cricket but in Tests, too. It would be nice to contribute to the team in both forms of the game.
I have to commend my team-mates for the support throughout. They were always there for me and in the end we played well as a team but it was unfortunate in the final. We have to put that behind us and for the three test matches against Pakistan. Obviously that is our main objective now.
I did a bit of shopping yesterday. I went along with some of the boys for a trip to the mall. The security here, for obvious reasons, has been very intense and we had a huge security crew join us on the trip especially since there was a large group of people who basically followed us around for autographs and photos. The security is very tight, not even an ant can get through these guys here.
Well well well…
Althought it is excellent to read Chris’ comments in favor of our country the fact is that Kaloos are our friends…the reasons are obvious…they are black and must see the discrimination from goras like the asians do…
I would not doubt Chris’ sincerity at all…I am pretty certain he speaks from his heart…
Thanks you Chris for your confidence in Pak and our cricket!!
Its very nice of him. Maybe we should use him to promote our image to the world
I know PCB arranges stay in Pearl Continental Hotel. It is The Hotel in Lahore, actually in Pakistan.
Chris Gayle
The first day of the third and final Test match against Pakistan at
Karachi was a pretty good day for the West Indies. The pitch is
horrendous for Test cricket because of the extreme slowness and
lowness of it. It is the worst Test pitch I have ever seen so far in
my career because the ball was almost rolling on the very first day of
the Test match.
We still have to bat on it though and when our turn comes to bat we
won't use that as an excuse. We still have to get the last three
Pakistan wickets before our turn at the crease and even though most
of our batters and especially the captain are in good nick it will be
hard work. Myself and Daren [Ganga] have to adjust to these conditions
and we have been having chats about how we are going to approach our
partnership.
Both of us missed out on hundreds in the last game and Dwayne Bravo as
well, but that's done and gone. It is a new leaf to turn to now. Once
we can build partnerships and get a big first innings score on this
wicket we can definitely set ourselves up for a victory in order to
draw the series. I have to give big credit to the bowlers – Corey
Collymore, Jerome Taylor, Daren Powell and Bravo – they all bowled
well on that low and slow wicket but they know what Test cricket is
like.
When we first arrived in Karachi from Multan the team had a little fun
trip to a local resort. It was the first time I ever rode a motor
bike even though it was a small one. We drove mini race cars, buggies,
go karts and rode motor cycles. We also had a go at simulation desert
riding on ATVs. The bike riding was fun but I don't plan to ride any
again in the near future unless it's on four wheels. That I did enjoy
a lot and I think those are the sorts of things we need to have in
place whenever we go on tour rather than the routine of just going
from the hotel to the ground and back.
That sort of atmosphere can really take your mind away from cricket
for a while and make everyone relax. There is a time for serious
cricket and there is a time for fun. We are still human and we have to
look to enjoy ourselves even though the tour is long and can get
depressing we have to hang in there.
Mommy, I'm missing you!
i dont know about you guys but i have always liked the attitude of west indian side. No snobiness like the english or the aussies… and they dont whine like south africans
Re: Chris Gayle's blog / rides motorcycle for the first time in Karachi
awww @ Gayle missing mommy!
and on his first ever bike ride, kaheen Karachi main "double sawari" tu nahi ker raha tha? abhee chitter lagh jaeen gaaaay...kuch dai-dela ker jaan churanee parey gee Gayle ko :)
Chris Gayle
The first day of the third and final Test match against Pakistan at
Karachi was a pretty good day for the West Indies. The pitch is
horrendous for Test cricket because of the extreme slowness and
lowness of it. It is the worst Test pitch I have ever seen so far in
my career because the ball was almost rolling on the very first day of
the Test match.
We still have to bat on it though and when our turn comes to bat we
won't use that as an excuse. We still have to get the last three
Pakistan wickets before our turn at the crease and even though most
of our batters and especially the captain are in good nick it will be
hard work. Myself and Daren [Ganga] have to adjust to these conditions
and we have been having chats about how we are going to approach our
partnership.
Both of us missed out on hundreds in the last game and Dwayne Bravo as
well, but that's done and gone. It is a new leaf to turn to now. Once
we can build partnerships and get a big first innings score on this
wicket we can definitely set ourselves up for a victory in order to
draw the series. I have to give big credit to the bowlers – Corey
Collymore, Jerome Taylor, Daren Powell and Bravo – they all bowled
well on that low and slow wicket but they know what Test cricket is
like. When we first arrived in Karachi from Multan the team had a little fun trip to a local resort. It was the first time I ever rode a motor bike even though it was a small one. We drove mini race cars, buggies, go karts and rode motor cycles. We also had a go at simulation desert riding on ATVs. The bike riding was fun but I don't plan to ride any again in the near future unless it's on four wheels. That I did enjoy a lot and I think those are the sorts of things we need to have in place whenever we go on tour rather than the routine of just going from the hotel to the ground and back. That sort of atmosphere can really take your mind away from cricket for a while and make everyone relax. There is a time for serious cricket and there is a time for fun. We are still human and we have to look to enjoy ourselves even though the tour is long and can get depressing we have to hang in there. Mommy, I'm missing you!/quote]
Yeah he seems to be riding the "new bash the pak. pitches" bike as well!!
I think he is probably referring to Dreamworld out on Northern By-pass off of superhighway in Karachi....
That thing requires 100,000 for membership and it is a "unreal Gora come to Pak." type resort.
