Gayle a big loss, says Bennett

JAMAICA senior team cricket coach Junior Bennett says the absence of Christopher Gayle from the 14-member squad for the NAGICO Super50 regional competition is a big blow.

Gayle, still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on the West Indies tour of India late last year, was recently named Jamaica captain, but a subsequent medical assessment ruled out the star left-handed opener, forcing selectors to turn to David Bernard Jnr to lead the team.

The 34-year-old Gayle led Jamaica to the 50-over title in the 2007-08 season, and again two years ago.

"He's definitely a big loss to us as a batsman and as a captain," said Bennett in reference to Gayle's qualities.

"The last two times we won the 50-over (competition) he was the captain. Everyone knows his quality as a One-Day player, his power and everything. To lose him at this time is a big loss.

"To the younger players in the team he was also a motivational factor. But we just have to go out there and do what we have to do," Bennett told the Jamaica Observer.