Cricket: Gayle hooks Watson again

PERTH - The war of words between Chris Gayle and Shane Watson has taken another turn, with the West Indies captain labelling the Australian allrounder "soft" and easy to wind up.

Gayle delivered his latest blast with a smile after Watson yesterday explained his widely condemned celebrations over claiming Gayle's wicket at the WACA during the third test by saying he had been baiting him.

Watson was fined 15 per cent of his match fee over the third test incident and Gayle still wasn't inclined to let him off the hook.

"He said I bait him. You asked me the question earlier if I catch fish, maybe I might use him as a bait to catch a fish," Gayle said. "He's so easy to get wound up over silly things. Yeah, he's soft.

"He only looks big and strong but he's soft."

While Gayle was jocular when he made his latest comments, they're likely to anger the Australian camp in the wake of a fiery series.

Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson and Watson were all fined during Australia's 35-run win in Perth, while West Indies spinner Sulieman Benn was banned for two one-day internationals.

Australian paceman Doug Bollinger received a reprimand during the Adelaide test for kicking the pitch after an appeal was turned down.

- AAP