Chris Gayle recalled by West Indies for England one-day series

Former skipper returns to squad after 14-month absence following dispute with country's cricket board.

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle celebrates after scoring a triple century during the second day's play of the first test cricket match between Sri Lanka and West Indies in Galle, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010.(AP Photo/ Eranga Jayawardena)
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The West Indies have recalled former captain Chris Gayle after a 14-month absence to take part in the one-day series against England later this month.

Gayle has returned to the squad after his dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board led to the 32-year-old opener missing over a year of international cricket.

He returns for the three-match series with England which begins on June 16 and is line to play his first game for his country since they lost to Pakistan in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in March 2011.

Gayle criticised the board and current coach Ottis Gibson after being left out of a one-day series against Pakistan a month later.

But meetings between Gayle and the WICB earlier this year have smoothed the path for his return.

Clyde Butts, chairman of the selection panel, said: "Chris is a player of proven quality and we are looking forward to him adding this dimension to the side and his contributions as a senior member of the squad."

Gayle joins a squad captained by Test skipper Darren Sammy who has Dwayne Bravo as his vice-captain.

Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell and Dwayne Smith are also named in the squad and opener Lendl Simmons is included.

There is also a place for spinner Sunil Narine who made a major impression during the recent Indian Premier League.

Openers Adrian Barath and Kieron Powell, who have struggled in the first two Tests in the series against England, have been left out.

Test wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin comes in to replace Carlton Baugh.

Butts added: "We are now beginning to move into the next phase of the development of the team as we continue to build our ODI side as we continue to plan for the 2015 World Cup.

"A number of players who we have been exposed to international cricket and who, by their recent performances, have shown that they can play roles in the team have been retained.

"There is, what we believe, is a balanced combination of young rising players like Sunil Narine in the bowling department and Johnson Charles in the top order of the batting in addition to the well known seasoned internationals."