Gayle to miss England ODI series

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle will miss the upcoming one-day international series against England due to a back problem.

The 34-year-old underwent precautionary scans after experiencing stiffness in his lower back following the first Twenty20 international against Ireland on Wednesday, the West Indies Cricket Board has revealed.

Chris Gayle, centre, was instrumental in West Indies 2012 World T20 success but now faces a race to be fit for their title defenceChris Gayle, centre, was instrumental in West Indies 2012 World T20 success but now faces a race to be fit for their title defence

The WICB selection panel has called up another explosive hitter, all-rounder Dwayne Smith, in Gayle's place for the matches.

The Windies face Ireland in Jamaica on Sunday and then play three ODIs against England in Antigua.

Gayle could return for the subsequent Twenty20 internationals versus Stuart Broad’s touring party, but England’s captain on the trip understands West Indies’ reluctance to take any risks with a star player as the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh lies on the horizon.

“We know what Chris Gayle offers – he can win a game on his own,” Broad said.

“He’s been out for a little while with a hamstring/back problem and I’m sure the West Indies will be desperate to get him fit for the World Cup, so I’m sure they won’t risk him too much in the next few weeks.

“We’ve seen the damage he can do in the subcontinent and they’re defending champions as well, so they’ll be looking to go there with a full-strength side as much as they can.

“As an England side you want to test yourself against the best players in the world, and Chris Gayle is one of those, but I’m sure the West Indies will wrap him in cotton wool for a bit.”