Gayle: "I not even taste Onion"

Date released: 5 May 2009

Gayle is in good spirits ahead of the Test West Indies captain Chris Gayle has admitted to knowing very little about Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan - England's two possible debutants in Wednesday's Test Match.

In his Carribean drawl Gayle quipped: "I not even taste Onion." adding himself to the rapidly lengthening list of those have mistakenly removed the "s" from the Durham quick bowler's surname.

• Listen to Gayle on England's debutants (733 KB)

Onions: Will be keen to ensure Gayle remembers him Despite having only arrived on Tuesday from South Africa where he was playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gayle dispelled concerns about his lack of preparation for the Test,

"I set my mind to do these things - getting here early in the morning and having a net session in the afternoon.

"I've had a hit it was good to get a feel of everything. I'll be ready for tomorrow's game.

"We all knew this would happen, the board gave me permission to stay - it's not like I did it of my own will, no one is bigger than the game.

"I've been keeping in touch and checking out the cricket on the internet. We've got a few players who have played a lot over here so it's not a problem.

"It's going to be tough, there's no two ways about it. It will be more challenging than back home.

"It [the Series win over England in the Caribbean] was definitely one of my proudest moments.

"When I first heard about this tour I did scratch my head a bit but it's another chance to represent West Indies.

"It's a privilege to lead an entire nation."