Home grounds are always a player's favourite territory and their main scoring domain. But for West Indies opener Chris Gayle, his home ground Sabina Park hasn't been a happy hunting ground.
His Test average at his home ground in Sabina Park, Jamaica is a mere half of his regular Test average of 40.
"I am trying to improve my form at Sabina Park and hopefully I can start on that score this week against India," he said.
"Everybody wants to do well at their home ground and it has been slightly frustrating that I have only managed just one half-century in seven Tests there.
"If you asked me why my record is like that in Jamaica, I wouldn't say it's because I feel under more pressure at home. I think the wicket at Sabina Park does a bit more -- seams a lot more -- than any other pitch in the Caribbean so bowlers get a lot more assistance there and it is something I need to work on."
The first three Tests of the current series against India have ended in draw. Gayle has managed to sparkle in patches, scoring 275 runs at 45.83 with three half-centuries in a series dominated by batsmen till now.
The left-hander feels that he could change his style of play and resort to a more defensive approach in fourth Test, starting on Friday.
"I may need to play a bit more conservatively rather than be as positive as I usually play. Sabina Park is my favourite ground and it would be really good if I could pull off something there. One thing that does give me some confidence on that subject is the fact I am averaging almost 40 at the ground in one-day internationals so there is no reason why I can't translate that form into the Test arena.
"I scored 123 against India in the ODIs there last month when India won. Hopefully there will be a different outcome this time," he added.
Gayle also said that he wanted to improve his conversion rate of half-centuries to centuries in Tests.
The left-hander also added the West Indies team are upbeat after they managed what most perceived as a winning draw against India in the third Test in St. Kitts.
Article courtesy: Bigstarcricket.com
