They did so without dynamic opener Gayle, who has not played international cricket for more than a year following a dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). But Gayle said earlier this month he would not be honouring his contract with Somerset so as to make himself available to the West Indies. Gayle has been playing in the Indian Premier League but his commitments have finished after the Royal Challengers Bangalore were eliminated from the tournament.

Sammy refused to rule Gayle out for the second Test at Trent Bridge. “Whatever happens outside this squad takes its own course,” Sammy told Sky Sports. “Whoever comes in we will welcome them into the team and hopefully they will help. It is up to the selectors to select the team. We have been having some difficulties at the top of the order and if he comes in we would welcome him,” said Sammy.