The Editor, Sir:

As an individual who has in the past commented in defence of Christopher Gayle, I am compelled to comment further on his views about his captaincy and the future of Test cricket. Perhaps Chris has a point regarding the dying state of Test cricket, and his candour in stating what many of us have said in private cannot be disputed.

However, regarding the captaincy of the West Indies cricket team, Gayle should be made to realise that he has inherited an illustrious legacy of triumph and pride in performance. It is quite disappointing to read of Gayle's comments which I believe amounts to meek surrender in the middle of a tour against the former colonial territory. Someone should sit him down and let him realise that West Indies cricket is still the only real binding force in the Caribbean and wider diaspora.

Learn from lara

It is not Gayle alone, the reluctance of Messrs Chanderpaul and Sarwan, speaks to a leadership crisis that has overtaken our society. I remember clearly the words of one B.C. Lara when offered the captaincy of the West Indies cricket team for the third time. Not accepting, Lara was quoted as saying, "would be a dereliction of a moral duty".

Just maybe West Indian fans will be made to appreciate the words of the oft-criticised Lara. He knew the honour which should accompany such a role, as the chief guardian of a legendary legacy of West Indies cricket supremacy. Gayle, et al, should be made to realise this, perhaps then, they may think twice before being careless without pride.

I am, etc.,

ABKA FITZ-HENLEY

abkafitzhenley@yahoo.com

Kingston 6