Gayle says he's feeling the strain of being a one-man team

Sydney, Feb.12 (ANI): West Indian captain Chris Gayle has conceded he is feeling the strain of having to star with the bat to give his side any hope of beating Australia.

Gayle said he was aware his inexperienced team's hopes of success rested squarely with him.

The Daily Telegraph quoted the giant left-hander, as saying: "I'd be lying if I said there was no pressure. There is a bit of pressure, but at the same time I have to manage it. This is part of the package and as I've always said, you can't run or hide from it, you have to face up to it and try to live up to expectations.

"As captain, you have to be accountable all the time. In the past, when I do get off [to a good start] we've still lost games. It's something we need to capitalise on if it does happen. But there are 11 players out there and we should all contribute any way we can. We have to get the runs on the board against Australia," he added.

Gayle, 30, said his young side was "the future of West Indian cricket" and would improve from the tough hit outs against Australia.

"There are still high spirits [amongst the players]. We ran around this morning and played football and had some fun, the guys are working hard in the nets. It's a very important game for us, we all know we're 2-0 down so this is a must-win for us. There are no two ways about it," Gayle said.

Australian coach Tim Nielsen all but agreed that removing Gayle cheaply would shape the outcome and the Aussie quicks, especially Bollinger, had been successful in putting the opener in two minds. (ANI)