PERFORMER OF THE WEEK: Gayle at his best

Chris Gayle, captain of West Indies team

West Indies captain Chris Gayle is our performer of the week. Gayle, known the world over as a destroyer of bowlers, was at his devastating best in the third one-day international against England at Kensington Oval in Barbados last Friday.

The 29-year-old skipper slammed 80 off just 43 balls as he guided the West Indies to an eight-wicket victory and a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Gayle struck eight huge sixes and five fours as he sent the Englishmen diving for cover.

When he was bowled by pacer James Anderson with the score on 98 after 10.2 overs, the match was all but over. The West Indies had earlier dismissed a woeful England side for a paltry 117 in 41.3 overs. England never got into stride as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

The main wicket-taker for the West Indies was medium pacer Dwayne Bravo who took four for 19 in seven overs to emerge man of the match.