LONDON (CMC):

Chris Gayle shrugged off concerns about his form and that of West Indies team-mates ahead of their two-Test series against England.

The West Indies captain was speaking on Monday after a three-hour net session on a cold afternoon at Lord's.

This followed his belated arrival in England only a few hours earlier from South Africa, where he had been taking part in the Indian Premier League for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

"I have been batting well and I feel in good form," said Gayle. "My focus is on Test cricket and West Indies cricket and I am here to perform my duty for West Indies."

Looking forward to the opening Test

Gayle was fully confident of success and was looking forward to the opening Test at Lord's which begins today.

"England are on home soil and they know each corner of their turf," he said. "We have to play some good, positive cricket and look to retain the Wisden Trophy.

"It will be a competitive battle and I am sure both teams are looking forward to it. Based on what they saw in the Caribbean, they will come hard at us. We are all prepared and mentally ready to handle what they throw at us."

Gayle at the helm

Gayle was at the helm in the Caribbean, when West Indies edged England 1-0 in a five-Test series to win the Wisden Trophy.

"The aim is to get a very good start at Lord's on Wednesday (today) and that would give us good momentum," he said.

"I have spoken to the players and everyone is keen and aware of the conditions and what is required. There are challenges ahead, but we all believe we can cope with what is ahead."

The second Test of the series will be played at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street from May 14 to 18.