West Indies Captain Chris Gayle says no off-field issues will distract his team from hunting an important win against England in the pivotal 3rd  Digicel One-Day International when the Digicel Series resumes at Kensington Oval on Friday.

In the past two days, representatives from the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have been meeting to discuss players’ concerns on a number of issues.

But Gayle says he and his players will be focused on Friday’s match: “We are all professional. I made it very clear to the players.  When our guys step across the rope, we are all ready for cricket.

“We are all big men here so we have to take responsibility in whatever we do. At the same time, when it’s cricket, we are ready for the game of cricket. This won’t affect our game.”

Gayle also dispelled rumours about players boycotting the upcoming one-day matches:  “There wasn’t any threat made about boycotting any games, not to my knowledge.  If the game wasn’t supposed to go on, I’d be home cocking up my legs now. I’m here to play cricket.”

The five-match Digicel Series is locked 1-1 after the teams won one each in Guyana last weekend.

“Tomorrow is a very important game. Even stevens again so I’m sure everyone wants to go out in front,” Gayle said. “We’re looking forward to it and hopefully we can continue playing some good cricket and go up 2-1.”

Gayle also said he was pleased with the players’ commitment to the team cause:  “I’m very much happy with the way we stick together.  You can actually see it in our games as well.

“It’s good to actually see that bond and unity and strength. Once we have that sort of unity we can conquer any opponents or whatever.”