CHESTER-LE-STREET, England (AP):

West Indies' chances of drawing level in its two-Test series against England appear even slimmer after Chris Gayle's public declaration of ambivalence towards captaincy, his English counterpart and Test cricket in general.

England comprehensively routed the tourists by 10 wickets at Lord's last week to go 1-0 ahead and Gayle's comments seem unlikely to inspire his players to a stirring response.

Gayle, who scored just 28 runs in two innings, said he wouldn't care if Test cricket withered in competition with Twenty20.

But with just 50 days between the end of the second Test and the first Ashes meeting with Australia, England's players certainly do care.

Ultimate game

"For me personally, Test cricket is the ultimate form of the game," England captain Andrew Strauss said yesterday. "It tests your character and your technique and I think a majority of players around the world feel the same way.

"We're very determined to make it 2-0 this week."

Strauss' determination is likely to be stoked further by Gayle's criticism of him.

Strauss had said that it was not ideal preparation for Gayle to arrive in England from the Indian Premier League just two days before the Test series started, prompting his counterpart to criticise his all-round game and tell him to mind his own business.

"I said what I had to say earlier," Gayle said. "It's just how it is. He should be focusing on the his own team."

Bowling attack

The key to England's huge win at Lord's was a reshaped bowling attack that dismantled the tourists' batting line-up.

England is expected to stick with an unchanged team for the match at Durham, with Graham Onions staying in the attack on his home ground after taking seven wickets on his debut.

Graeme Swann, who hit 63 not out and took six wickets, will likely be the sole spinner, with Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Tim Bresnan filling the other bowling spots.

With opener Dale Richards having left the touring party because of a shoulder injury, West Indies' options are limited.

The most likely change, if any, is for Lionel Baker to make way for all-rounder Darren Sammy or one of uncapped pace bowlers Nelon Pascal and Andrew Richardson.