WEST INDIES captain Chris Gayle insists he retains great respect for his opposite number Andrew Strauss, despite their contrasting allegiances to Twenty20 and Test cricket.

Yesterday, Gayle spelled out his professed preference for Indian Premier League over Tests is purely his own perspective rather than a telling comment on the bigger picture. The Jamaican observed: “I woke up this morning, and it seems after I did an interview a couple of days ago it’s stirred the whole place up a bit.

“Test cricket is always going to be there. But for me as an individual, I don’t see me playing Test cricket for any very long period of time.

“Twenty20 has come on board, and it’s made a huge impact in the world. It’s brilliant, and games have been sold out.

“It’s taken the place by storm.

“Test cricket, I look at it different. I don’t see it as long term for me. That’s my gut feeling.”

When he walks out with Strauss today, though, Gayle confirms there will be no hard feelings.

“I’ll be shaking his hand, calling heads and winning the toss – still have a laugh and a chat about it,” he predicted.

“I don’t keep malice with anybody; I’m not into those sort of games.

“I’m not trying to degrade or disrespect Strauss.

“But sometimes you just have to stand up for your rights.”

Reports from the Caribbean have quoted West Indies Cricket Board president Julian Hunte expressing regret at Gayle’s remarks and fear the team will be unsettled immediately before an important match.

Gayle unsurprisingly subscribes to none of that.

“I have not yet come across the feeling that I want to stop playing Test cricket fully.”