Gayle out of England Series Due to Back Injury

Wellington: West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle has ruled himself out of the home test series against England next month in order to allow a back injury to settle down but he has ruled out retiring from any form of internationals cricket.

The 35-year-old top-scored for his side with 61 in their World Cup quarter-final defeat by co-hosts New Zealand on Saturday and took his time leaving the field, acknowledging the crowd's standing ovation.

Gayle was an injury doubt before the game at Wellington Regional Stadium and had to have a painkilling injection in his back earlier in the week.

He also appeared to hurt himself while taking a catch in the field and was barely able to run while batting.

Gayle struck eight sixes, two fours and added five singles, the majority of which he walked, before he was bowled by Adam Milne.

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

Bravo, Blackwood Secure Level Series [+]

West Indies tie the series with England at 1-1 after reaching a target of 192 to win the final Test in Barbados by five wickets.

West Indies Slightly Edge after Bowlers Day [+]

England lead West Indies by only 107 runs at 39-5 after 18 wickets fell on a dramatic second day of the final Test.

West Indies Edge Despite Cook ton [+]

Skipper Alastair Cook ended his Test century drought on day one of the third and the final Test as England struggled their way to 240-7 at stumps against the West Indies in Barbados on Friday.

Anderson Leads England to Win [+]

James Anderson inspires England to a nine-wicket victory over West Indies on the final day of the second Test.

West Indies Bounce Back after Brathwaite Ton [+]

England are frustrated by Kraigg Brathwaite's composed century as West Indies have the better of the fourth day of the second Test.

Root Hundred Puts England in Control [+]

A sparkling hundred from Joe Root put England in position to push for victory in the second Test against West Indies.

Broad and Cook Give England Edge [+]

England close on 74-0 after Stuart Broad's 4-61 helps them to bowl out West Indies for 299 in the second Test in Grenada.

Samuels fights but England Ahead [+]

A patient 94 not out from Marlon Samuels helped West Indies recover against England to end the first day of the second test on 188 for five in Grenada on Tuesday.

Benn Dropped for Second England Test [+]

The West Indies left out spinner Sulieman Benn from their 14-man squad announced Saturday for the second Test against England in Grenada.

Holder ton helps West Indies hold draw [+]

West Indies held on to draw the first Test on the day James Anderson became England's leading wicket-taker in Test history in Antigua on Friday..