As this fascinating Test heads towards what promises to be an exciting climax today, chances are Jamaican skipper Chris Gayle will be singing Bob Marley's Redemption song at day's end.
As this fascinating Test heads towards what promises to be an exciting climax today, chances are Jamaican skipper Chris Gayle will be singing Bob Marley's Redemption song at day's end.
At 284 for eight overnight, West Indies have a 296-run lead which, if handled competently by a gale force called Chris, could ironically breathe new life into a form of the game in the Caribbean, whose demise the eccentric West Indian Test captain all but predicted recently, saying he would not lament its passing.
The previous highest successful run chase at Adelaide Oval is 315 by Australia against England in 1901.
Gayle (155 not out) who yesterday fulfilled a childhood dream of scoring a century against Australia said after close of play: We can win. I know we are a good chance of winning. We will go all out early on and try to step into them.
"I am really tired but this is a big achievement for me and the team," said Gayle, who had failed in his desire to dedicate a century to his mother in the Gabba Test, in which his team was routed by an innings and 65 runs.
"It (the century) is something I've always wanted and we can press on with it from here."
Gayle scored 317 against South Africa at St John's in 2005 but his responsible captain's knock yesterday will probably rate as his best ever.
No-nonsense West Indies manager David Williams said: "I think it is enough runs. It is very difficult scoring on the track.
"We know the Australians don't like to be under pressure.
"It's a pressure sport especially when there is a Test up for grabs.
"Before we came to Australia there were a lot of critics and people said things about the team.
"This performance is probably going to change some of those minds u2013 we can go on and win," the former Test wicket-keeper said. "Ricky Ponting is going to have a lot to think about."
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