New Zealand prepares for Gayle in World Cup quarterfinal

The undefeated New Zealand squad is preparing to take on Chris Gayle in the World Cup quarterfinals, regardless of any uncertainty over the fitness of the star West Indies batsman.

Gayle missed the West Indies last pool match against the United Arab Emirates on Sunday as the back injury which has troubled him for most of the past year flared again. The severity of the injury is unclear and it may be the West Indies simply rested him to be sure of his availability for the quarterfinals.

But New Zealand is taking no chances and when it carries out its routine scouting of the West Indies team this week, Gayle’s potential influence will be a major focus.