BRISBANE - Fatigued West Indies captain Chris Gayle says his team's problematic build-up to the first Test against Australia won't be used as an excuse if they bomb out at the Gabba.
Gayle arrived back in Brisbane on Wednesday morning barely 24 hours before the three-Test series opener gets underway.
He was jet-lagged after completing a whirlwind trip back to Jamaica to be with his sick mum who was temporarily hospitalised.
To make matters worse, the Windies may now be without key batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan due to a training mishap.
Sarwan had to be assisted from Allan Border Field on Wednesday morning after suffering a back injury during a fielding drill.
A final decision on Sarwan's fitness and availability will be made on Thursday morning before the toss.
Gayle said his long hours of air travel would make it "difficult" but confirmed he would definitely play in the first Test.
"It is always difficult to come in the day before a Test match but I will try and prepare mentally because I know it will be a tough task ahead," Gayle said in Brisbane on Wednesday.
"I will try and lead from the front.
"It won't be easy. But after hitting a few balls in the nets this morning I feel confident."
Despite their horror build-up, Gayle said his inexperienced and underrated side would not be offering any excuses.
"It is something we have to deal with but we are not looking for any excuses - we are all big men here," he said.
"You have to handle the business out in the middle regardless of what has been happening off the field."
Asked if he felt their preparation was cursed, Gayle said: "It's not good news, but we will keep our fingers crossed and hopefully tomorrow he (Sarwan) will be fit.
"He's in good nick but if we lose him at a crucial point in time like this someone will have to step up and make a huge contribution."
- AAP
