Confident Gayle predicts a 4-1 series win over Aussies

West Indies skipper Chris Gayle is far from daunted by Australia’s recent form and instead has predicted his young players will steer their side to a commanding win in the one-day series.

The West Indies have lost their past eight one-day games to Australia and Ricky Ponting’s side has re-established itself as the best in 50-over cricket in the past year.

But Gayle was confident the Windies could overcome the loss of a glut of injured senior players – Dwayne Bravo the latest absentee through a thumb injury – and was not fazed by Australia’s recent strong form.

“It’s not (intimidating) to be honest with you, we’re going to beat them 4-1 so not to worry,” he said ahead of game one of the series at the MCG on Sunday.

While the West Indies matched it with Australia in periods of the three Tests late last year (Australia won the series 2-0), Gayle said he preferred not to draw on those signs, as that was looking back.

He predicted the likes of all-rounders Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Smith, who played in Australia’s domestic Twenty20 competition, along with Lendl Simmons to prove themselves the future of the Caribbean cricket.

“We are expecting big things from these guys to actually win the series,” Gayle said.

“It’s an inexperienced team at this point in time, but at the same time there’s a lovely opportunity for the guys to step up against Australia and make a name for themselves.”

Gayle made 146 in the West Indies’ 90-run win over the Prime Minister’s XI on Thursday and looms as the side’s key batsmen, but he was confident even without Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul there was enough talent behind him.

“We are capable batters and we believe we can go out there and get a job done, I don’t see a reason why we can’t get it done.

“The wickets are very good to bat on, so it should be even stevens going into this game.”

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