Gayle to miss third Test

Broken thumb rules out skipper

Last updated: 8th January 2008

Chris Gayle West Indies v South Africa 1st Test Dec 26 07

Gayle: broken thumb

Even worse than losing the match was the expected prognosis that my thumb injury will necessitate another layoff of two to three weeks so I'm definitely out of the final and deciding Test match.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle
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West Indies captain Chris Gayle will miss the series decider against South Africa due to a broken thumb.

Gayle sustained the injury when hit on the left thumb by an Andre Nel delivery during the second Test defeat in Cape Town last week.

"Getting struck on my left thumb by Andre Nel early on the fourth morning, when I was preparing to dig in for a long knock, was a huge misfortune," Gayle told his Cricinfo blog.

"I can't lie; that was some terrible pain. Even worse than losing the match was the expected prognosis that my thumb injury will necessitate another layoff of two to three weeks so I'm definitely out of the final and deciding Test match."

Dwayne Bravo will lead the side in Gayle's absence, with either Devon Smith or Brenton Parchment replacing him at the top of the order.

West Indies are also waiting on the fitness of paceman Fidel Edwards, who picked up a hamstring injury in Cape Town.

"I'm not sure about Fidel though," added Gayle. "I hope he can play because having him is a significant advantage for us."

The series is level at 1-1 heading into the third and final Test in Durban on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.