Gayle to shine with ball over bat in England encounter

England may be most fearful of Chris Gayle’s batting in their T20 World Cup Super Eights clash with the West Indies, but the big-hitting opener looks overpriced to have a major impact with the ball.

Gayle does not bowl as much as he used to these days, but did turn over his arm on a rare occasion in the West Indies’ last match with Ireland and claimed two wickets in the process.

With England’s troubles playing spin well documented in their defeat to India, Gayle could also be given a few overs in Pallekele.

Although this is a risk as he is no definite bowler, 10/1 may prove exceptional value on Gayle taking the most English wickets.

Full-time spinner Sunil Narine is the favourite in this market at 5/2, but he only managed a single wicket on the whole of the West Indies’ tour of England earlier this year.

The Sri Lankan wicket will offer more turn and England may need to be more aggressive in their stroke play, but this price still looks worth opposing.

Meanwhile, England captain Stuart Broad has spoken of the need to dismiss Gayle cheaply when batting, given his ability to turn a game in an instant with his monster hitting.

England have generally done a good job at keeping Gayle quiet in their T20 meetings as he averages less against them than any of the other major cricketing nations.

Therefore, again it is worth opposing the favourite in the top West Indies runscorer market when facing England, as Gayle is a short 15/8.

Marlon Samuels is another big hitter lower down the order and is clearly in good form based on a quick-fire 50 against Australia.

He is 9/2 to top the West Indies run charts and this looks a fair price.

In terms of match betting, the pair are tough to separate with England and West Indies both 10/11 for victory in their opening Super Eight encounter.

All odds and markets correct as of publication