Despite a match-winning hundred from Joe Root and a spirited bowling performance by Mark Wood, it was Chris Gayle who was the talk of the town yet again during England’s comfortable eight wicket victory over his West Indies side at the 2019 ICC World Cup.
Photo: Cricket World Cup/TwitterThis time it wasn’t for his exquisite and explosive batting, but because he bowled a cumulative of five overs without once removing his Aviator glares at the Ageas Bowl Stadium in Southampton.
And he warmed up for it with some #flossing 😜 pic.twitter.com/pwgrZk4z7M
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 14, 2019
Gayle, who represents Kings XI Punjab in the VIVO Indian Premier League, came on to bowl in the 21st over and entertained the crowd in what was largely one-sided match with a few off-spinners, some dancing and fake review antics.
Chris Gayle not even bothering to take his aviators off whilst bowling is my new favourite thing #ENGvWI #CWC19
— David Byrom (@DB1993) June 14, 2019
Mood (updated): Chris Gayle bowling in aviators and a cap. pic.twitter.com/yOmAxRSQ6Y
— Sam Jones (@SamJonesMCR) June 14, 2019
The 39-year-old, who is set to retire from One Day International cricket post the World Cup, bowled five overs and conceded 22 runs, while bowling a few of those with his cap on as well. He even ended up as the most economical bowler of the day for the Caribbean team.
Earlier, Gayle scored 36 off 41 balls while fellow KXIP player Nicholas Pooran top-scored with a gritty 63 in 78 balls, in what was his maiden ODI fifty.
During his innings, Gayle also became the leading run-scorer against England in ODIs, surpassing Kumara Sangakarra’s record of 1,625, adding another seven runs before he got dismissed.
