Curtly Ambrose tells Chris Gayle to stick to retirement plan and "bow out gracefully"

Gayle, the self-proclaimed Universe Boss, had previously declared that this World Cup would be his final swansong in ODI cricket

Former West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose has called on Chris Gayle to reverse his decision to delay his retirement.

Gayle, the self-proclaimed Universe Boss, had previously declared that this World Cup would be his final swansong in ODI cricket. However, speaking during a press conference ahead of West Indies’ clash with India last week, Gayle hinted that he was prepared to go back on his plans.

"Maybe another series to go, as well,” he said. “Who knows, we will see what happens. My plans are for the World Cup. Maybe a Test match against India and then I'll play, definitely play the ODIs against India. I won't play the T20s. That's my plan after World Cup."

Ambrose, however, who took 405 Test wickets for West Indies, told BBC’s Test Match Special podcast that Gayle should “bow out gracefully”.

“Let me tell you something, one word; nonsense,” he said of Gayle’s plan to continue in the international arena.

“He hasn’t played a Test match for five years, he can barely make it in an ODI. I mean, a Test match is five days, six hours every day - it’s gruelling.

“What kind of message would it send to one of the opening batsmen? ‘It’s a farewell game for Chris Gayle so sit this one out’ - that is utter nonsense.

“He should bow out of this World Cup gracefully. He’s done extremely well for West Indies in world cricket, but you bow out. Move forward.”

Gayle has not played a Test match since 2014, while he has suffered from fitness issues through the World Cup.

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