West Indies Captain Darren Sammy says he would welcome the return of exiled batsman Chris Gayle having presided over a spirited defeat in the first Investec Test at Lord’s. 

Gayle was the leading run-scorer in the group stage of the IPL and is now free to return to international cricket following the elimination of Royal Challengers Bangalore but his selection remains unlikely at this stage.

"It's not me, it's up to the selectors what happens," said Sammy.

"He's a very experienced player and we've been having some difficulties at the top of the order.

“If he comes in, we will welcome him but the last I heard he is available only for the Twenty20s and One Day Internationals this summer. If he makes himself available, I guess the selectors will act accordingly."

Tickets for Friday’s, Sunday’s and Monday’s play in the Second Investec Test at Trent Bridge remain on sale.