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.

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West Indies vs England - 5th T20I Sri Lanka vs New Zealand - 2nd ODI 3rd T20I - Australia v Pakistan - November 18, 08:00 GMT 3rd ODI - Sri Lanka v New Zealand - November 19, 09:00 GMT 4th T20I - West Indies v England at St. Lucia West Indies won by 5 wickets (with 6 balls remaining) 2nd T20I - Australia v Pakistan at Sydney Australia won by 13 runs

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