Gayle named vice-captain of West Indies squad for World Cup

New Delhi: Left-handed batsman Chris Gayle has been named vice-captain of the all-rounder Jason Holder-led  West Indies 15-member squad for the forthcoming World Cup slated to be held in England and Wales from May 30. 

"It is always an honour to represent the West Indies in any format and this World Cup for me is special. As a senior player it is my responsibility to support the captain and everyone else in the team," the 39-year-old batsman said in a statement released by Cricket West Indies on late Monday. 

Gayle admitted that as a senior there will be more expectations from him.  "This will probably be the biggest World Cup, so there will be great expectations and I know we will do very well for the people of the West Indies," the seasoned batsman added.Gayle, who is taking part in the 12th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League, is missing out from the tri-nation series that West Indies are playing in Ireland. 

Meanwhile, Shai Hope, wicket-keeper-batsman, was named as the deputy to Holder for the tri-nation series which started on Sunday and runs until May 18. 

"It's a tremendous honour to be appointed vice captain for this series here in Ireland. Ahead of this tournament I was asked to take on this role and I was happy to accept. Anything I'm asked to do for West Indies cricket I'm always happy and willing to put my hand up, so this is great," the 25-year-old said.

In the series opener, West Indies defeated Ireland by 196 runs at the Clontarf Ground, Dublin, Ireland. Hope made 170 in his 50th appearance and added a record opening stand of 365 with John Campbell " who scored 179 " his maiden international century. Now, the Caribbean team will take on Bangladesh on Tuesday. 

The two-time World Champion West Indies will be playing in the marquee event for the 12th time. They will open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan at Trent Bridge on May 31.(UNI)