Cricket: Jason Holder keeps schtum over Chris Gayle's health ahead of ODI

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The mist is no clearer than it was two days ago over what part Chris Gayle will play on the rest of the West Indies tour of New Zealand.

The champion lefthand opener was not sighted in New Zealand's innings of the opening ODI at Whangarei on Wednesday.

After the match, which New Zealand won by five wickets, the West Indies coach Stuart Law and media manager Philip Spooner went schtum on what exactly was ailing Gayle other than saying he felt unwell. Tests would be taken once the squad got to Christchurch.

They were apparently done yesterday, but there is still silence over his health.

''He's recovering and he's been monitored over the last few days,'' captain Jason Holder said today.

Chris Gayle casts long shadow over New Zealand ODI series

''I'm still not able to give a strong position on where he's at but he is better than the last game.''

His chances of playing the second ODI at Hagley Oval tomorrow, which the West Indies must win to keep the series alive?

Chris Gayle

''To be honest we're not quite sure. We're hopeful he can play but there are still some doubts.''

So what exactly is wrong with Gayle? Surely there's no embarrassment in having a touch of flu or tummy ache?

''We're not going to disclose that,'' Holder said, the cone of silence dropping once again over the nature of Gayle's ailment.

Then, in a twist, ''he's in good spirits. He's a lot better than a couple of days ago. Chris is always a bubbly guy, full of jokes, but we hope he can recover to take part in the tour.''

There would be no decision taken on whether Gayle, who has hit 22 centuries in 274 ODIs for the West Indies, will play tomorrow until the morning when ''we'll see how he pulls up'' Holder added.