Melbourne: West Indies star batsman Chris Gayle, who also represents Melbourne Renegades in Big Bash League (BBL), silenced his critics by smashing a 12-ball 50, equalling the record of Yuvraj Singh (Durban, 2007 against England) for the fastest T20 half-century.
Though his team lost the match to Adelaide Strikers by 27 runs, his innings remain a talking point considering the controversy he invited earlier this month.
He fell in trouble after a flirtatious interview with Channel 10 journalist Mel McLaughlin.
The cricketer, jokingly, asked the reporter out for a drink and said: “Don’t blush, baby.”
Reports said that Cricket Australia may ban the Jamaican from participating in BBL after the incident. He was fined Rs 10,000 USD by his team.
Cricket Australia offer Chris Gayle a five year deal. #whatboycott #sixespaybills #foursixesinanover
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) January 18, 2016 Nonetheless, Gayle’s score line read: 2,6,6,6,6,2,6,6, free hit, 4, 1, 6.
Lucky the roof is open tonight... #GayleForce #GetOnRed #BBL05
— Etihad Stadium (@EtihadStadiumAU) January 18, 2016 Can someone tell Gayle he gets to head back to Jamaica tomorrow if they don't win?
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) January 18, 2016 Sky's are clear now.. !! Strikers we can see the blue now.. @StrikersBBL
— Kieron Pollard (@KieronPollard55) January 18, 2016 He also broke the previous record in BBL held by Tim Ludeman and Chris Lynn (18 balls).
Gayle’s innings didn’t last long, he was soon dismissed after the half-century by Travis Head.
The Jamaican very well knew that this could be his last innings for the Australian league given the murmurs. Even former cricketers called for his ban from the league.
After today’s innings, Gayle did not appear for a post-innings interview and was happy to sign autographs for kids.
This season, the opener scored 260 runs at an average of 32.50.
He has scored 260 runs at 32.50 for the Renegades this season.
