Struggling Gayle backed by Russell to hit back

The opener has scored only 41 runs in four innings since arriving in Australia for the tournament and is without a century in 20 matches, having made only four runs in Saturday’s comprehensive victory over Pakistan.

His performance in that match sparked fresh controversy as the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron retweeted a fan who demanded Gayle be given a “retirement package” due to his ongoing poor performances.

The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), no stranger to disputes with the WICB, has stepped in to demand an explanation from Cameron, who later deleted the post and apologised.

The situation does little to ease the pressure on Gayle, who made 36 in the opening loss to Ireland, but had only one run from two outings in warm-up games against England and Scotland.

However, all-rounder Andre Russell has backed Gayle to come good, and insisted he remains a positive force in the dressing room. “I just think when these guys peak at the right time, West Indies has the ability to score over 350,” said Russell.

“They have been good in the dressing room – the way they keep motivating the team and the team spirit is very good. Chris is not moody.

“Even now he’s not scoring and he’s not miserable, he’s not grumpy. He’s happy, he’s laughing, and he’s cheering everyone on the field, and that’s what we want from a big guy like him.”

Zimbabwe go into the match on the back of a four-wicket win over United Arab Emirates, having lost their opener against South Africa by 62 runs.

Shikhar Dhawan’s century led India to a 130-run win over South Africa in Melbourne in Pool B.

Dhawan put on 127 with Virat Kohli and 125 with Ajinkya Rahane as India reached 307-7.

This total looked as though it could have been even higher but it proved quite sufficient as, despite a third-wicket stand of 68 between AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis, South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals on their way to 177 all out, with almost 10 overs left unused.