BRISBANE, Australia (CMC):

Talismanic West Indies captain Chris Gayle will return home today from the tour of Australia to attend to his mother who has fallen seriously ill in Jamaica.

The 29-year-old will now miss the opening four-day match against Queensland starting today (Tuesday night, Eastern Caribbean time), and could be in doubt for the first Test which bowls off next week Wednesday.`

Vice-captain Denesh Ramdin will take over duties for the game against Queensland at the Allan Border Field.

West Indies manager Joel Garner said that Gayle's mother had been admitted to hospital and the player had been granted time off to be with her.

"The management and players in the team as well as the WICB are with Chris and his family at this time. We also want to wish his mother a speedy recovery," Garner said.

Gayle is a crucial member of the Windies squad and his absence will be felt. He is the squad's marquee opener and is also seen as an inspirational leader among his peers.

He has been out of action in recent months due to the players strike, missing the Bangladesh tour and the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa. The three-Test Australia series marked his first tour in four months.