ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Curtly Ambrose rebuffs claims that West Indies are over-reliant on Chris Gayle

West Indies bowling legend Curtly Ambrose has rebuffed claims that the team is over- reliant on batting superstar Chris Gayle, saying that while the opener is important, the Windies have a number of match-winners in their squad. Gayle put England to sword in their opening game on 17 March smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 48 balls to guide his team to a six-wicket win in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2016.

Speaking to the media, ahead of their clash against Sri Lanka on Sunday, 20 March, in Bangalore, the current bowling coach of the West Indies also dwelt on their bowling which was disappointing against England. They erred in line and length and eventually conceded 183 off their 20 overs.

"We rely heavily on Gayle at the top of the order to get us off to a good start. Whenever he is on top of his game, there are not many in world cricket who can subdue him. So hoping he can continue the form and give a good start," said Ambrose as quoted by wisdenindia.com

"Of course not (when asked if they were too dependent on Gayle), when you look at our batting line-up, Gayle is at the top of the order. Of course it makes a big difference if he gets going. Especially in that power play, he can be really destructive. But we have depth in our batting. We have Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Carlos Brathwaite. Of course, we want Gayle to come good every game but we don't wholly and solely rely on him alone."

"In T20 there is no margin for error for the bowlers so we have to give and take. But I think they are doing well and we'll keep working hard in the nets to make sure we can put up the show. When bowlers go for runs, what I say to them will stay in-house. I'm not going to tell the world our discussions. T20 is primarily suited to batsman and that's a fact. But I still think we have enough bowling in our armoury to get the job done."

West Indies are currently on top of Group 1.

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