Chris Gayle bats for day-night Tests

Caribbean big-hitter Chris Gayle has voiced his support for day-night Tests and said that the longest format of the game can be popularised. His comments come in the wake of South Africa not agreeing to play a day-night test with Australia, which was scheduled to be played later this year. Australia and New Zealand played the first-ever day-night Test last year in November at the Adelaide Oval, which was an instant hit among the cricket-watching population around the globe. It also saw a record crowd at the stadium and high television viewership.

"It's going to be different for the fans [but] I don't see any reason why the concept can't take off and be as successful as the shorter forms of the game," Gayle told the media in Bengaluru where he is currently playing for Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League.

The explosive left-hander, who has made 7,214 runs in 103 Tests, played his last Test in 2014 against Bangladesh, which was won by the West Indies.

According to reports, India has expressed its interest to host a day-night test against Australia in 2017. They are also planning to host their first game against New Zealand this year, and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also contemplating following suit. Recently, England's ace pacer Stuart Broad also hoped to play a day-night Test the next time they tour Australia.

Australia have been trying to convince South Africa, as the latter has been rigid about not playing the Test with a pink ball, saying that they have limited experience with the conditions and that it might be disadvantageous to them.

There have also been reports about certain Australian players not being fond of the pink ball after their experience with it last year.

Gayle pays tribute to Tony Cozier

Gayle also paid tribute to commentator Tony Cozier, who passed away in Barbados on Tuesday.

The RCB batsman expressed his condolence to Cozier's family. “Firstly, I want to extend my condolences to his family. I don’t know him personally, but we have spoken on a few occasions. This is the time to reflect on his wonderful life, and to pay him the respect that he deserves," he said.

His RCB teammate Shane Watson also paid tribute to the man who has been dubbed "the voice of West Indies cricket" and also reminisced on his first meeting with Cozier. AB de Villiers, RCB's bigwig, added, "I have only spoken to him once. He has served West Indies cricket exceptionally well. I extend my condolences to his family.”