Gayle questions West Indies curfew

If discipline is the watchword for the West Indians this summer, it seems not everyone is thrilled by the prospect. Roughly one hour after their stand-in Australian coach, David Moore, had called for an improved work ethic and greater intensity from his players, the flamboyant opening batsman Chris Gayle expressed his scepticism at the 11.30pm curfews imposed on the squad following tales of late-night socialising during the World Cup. Whatever qualities this West Indies side possesses, being on-message is not one of them.

"The curfew is there to try to keep the guys on their toes and get the best out of them," said Gayle. "I don't agree with it, but it is a team rule so you have to go along with it. If it was in my hands I would let the guys be more free and do what they want. You just have to accept it and hope it works."

Gayle, one of the senior members of the 15-man squad, did go on to say that the entire team was "up for it" as the side prepare for tomorrow's first Test at Lord's. But his open questioning of team policy comes at a time when West Indies are looking to dispel the stereotype of ill-discipline in the aftermath of a disastrous World Cup campaign and the retirement of Brian Lara. Last week, their former captain Clive Lloyd, now the chairman of the West Indies Cricket Board's cricket committee, accused the current set-up of operating in "a comfort zone", and Moore admitted there was work to be done.

"Everyone needs to try to improve their work ethic in this team and they're working hard to do it," he said. "There's a level we've been used to and we're eighth in the world in Test-match cricket so we need to do something better. Increasing our intensity is something we just have to do."

But Moore, whose contract with the WICB expires in November and is not expected to take up the post on a permanent basis, insisted that the new captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan, was the right man for the job. "Not only is he a strong character, he's got great respect from the players," he said.

"They've played under him on a number of occasions when he's stood in for Brian Lara. He is technically and tactically very aware of the game. He'll be very good and ready to go."