CaribWorldNews, LONDON, England, Tues. Feb. 2, 2010: West Indies cricket skipper, Chris Gayle, had his first hit in the nets on Monday morning and smashed the ball with great power as the team prepares for their upcoming series against Australia.
 
Gayle spent January in Australia playing for Western Australia in the Big Bash T20 Tournament. Now he is happy to be back in Windies colors for the series against the Aussies. The first assignment will be on Thursday against the Prime Minister`s XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
 
Speaking after training he said: `We know the Aussies will come hard against us and we know we have to be on the money. We need a good start and we will be looking to start well against the Prime Minister`s XI. This will be a very serious game for us … we want a solid start and we want all the players to be in the right frame of mind when we take to the field on Thursday.`
 
The 30-year-old Gayle is fully aware he is the key to the batting and said he is mentally and physically ready for the big responsibility as team leader.
 
`I am feeling really good. I`m happy to be back in the groove and representing the West Indies. We are without two key batsmen, Shiv [Chanderpaul] and [Ramnaresh] Sarwan, but this is a chance for other players to grab the opportunity and make a name. It will be a challenging tour but I know we are capable of winning.
 
`The Aussies are a good team and they played well against Pakistan … but they are beatable. We have been watching the series and we have seen what the Australians have to offer. On our side we have a lot to offer. We have depth, and we have players who are capable match-winners. Everyone knows what is required.`