Gayle - dellmar

ST JOHN'S, Antigua:

AN INJURY cloud hovers over Stanford Superstars skipper Chris Gayle only days before his side will do battle with England in the 20/20 for 20 showdown which will see the winning team walk away with US$20 million.

Gayle damaged his left thumb during a net session on Tuesday and the injured digit was still solidly wrapped as the Jamaican met the media yesterday on the eve of the Superstars' final warm-up game against England's 20/20 champion side, Middlesex.

"I am the type of person who deals with things when they come before me," Gayle said. "I've been in these situations before. I'll be ready - even if it's broken I'll be ready. I have played with a broken thumb and a pulled hamstring and I will play on Saturday."

Rough patch

The tall left-hander's preparations for the tournament have hit a rough patch as he had to leave the team's training camp a few weeks ago due to illnesses afflicting his father and brother.

"My dad was really sick and it could have been life-threatening, and then I get another phone call because my brother has a heart condition," he said.

"I needed that time to be by myself and try to catch myself. Family is very important. Things are progressing now and hopefully my brother will get through it. He would definitely want me to play the game but you have to get your mind factor right to go out there and produce.

"That's why I asked the coach (Eldine Baptiste) to sit out the first game (against Trinidad and Tobago). I've just got to get ready for this game. I've been in tougher situations before and that's why I feel like I am ready for it," he said.

If Gayle misses today's match against Middlesex he would be without any match practice going into Saturday's Stanford Super Series finale.

Team comes first

Coach Baptiste said he would not hesitate to drop Gayle if he was unsure of the captain's fitness or match readiness.

"If I have to (drop him), yes. For me, the team comes first and not the individual," he said.

Neither Gayle nor Baptiste would reveal too much about the Superstars' line-up tonight.

"I can't give away too much right now," the captain said. "We are not going to take (selection) for granted. We are still trying to find the right balance. Hopefully, we can come up with the XI we are looking for on Saturday."

Baptiste said: "Maybe it will be the team we plan to play (on Saturday) and maybe it won't, those are the options. I haven't got down to the final details yet and nothing is concrete."