Gayle to Tour England?

West Indian opening batsman and former captain Chris Gayle has opened the door to a return to the touring side due to visit England this summer, by declining a contract with Somerset, in order to concentrate on smoothing things over with the WI cricket board...

Gayle has been at loggerheads with the West Indian Cricket Authorities since the start of 2011, which centers around his involvement in the IPL, to which he is currently staring again in the current tournament for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

He hasn't featured for the West Indies in any of their recent test or one day series, and is a huge name and talent to be kept out of the international wilderness.

By making himself available again for the one day series in England, Gayle is making the first move to resolve the stand off.

In a statement released to the media, the destructive batsman has declined the contract offer to become Somerset's overseas T20 player for 2012, in order to regain his place in the West Indies team this summer. "I have written to Somerset and advised them I will not be honouring the commitment I made to them when I signed a contract with them." The explosive opener said.

"I made it clear to them my decision was made because of my commitment to West Indies cricket and to West Indies cricket fans. I believe it's time for the WICB to make a decision which will provide a clearer view of my own future.

"By making this decision, I understand it may place me in a position of considerable risk, since I am foregoing a signed contract, without any guarantees whatsoever, with only the hope I will be selected to play for the West Indies again.

"I have now satisfied all of the requests of the WICB and their selection panel, with whom I met via teleconference yesterday, and to whom I reiterated previous assurances given to the board regarding my availability.

"So that there is no doubt, I confirmed to the selectors that I was available for West Indies duty in all forms of cricket, immediately following the conclusion of my contractual obligations to my IPL franchise."

No doubting, that this news would excite both supporters of the West Indies and those from England who are making their way to the one day series this summer, as Gayle is box office when in full flow.