MANCHESTER, June 5: Experienced West Indies opener Chris Gayle, who picked up an injury over the weekend, will be available for third cricket Test against England starting on Thursday at Old Trafford, after getting all clear.

Physiotherapist Stephen Partridge confirmed Gayle, attacking batsman, would suit up for all-important Test, despite suffering damage to his rib muscle while fielding against MCC in three-day match at Durham.

He took no further part in match as precaution and there was some doubt on his participation in third Test.

Gayle, who has had run of moderate scores with 30, 47, 11 and 13 in first two Tests, is key member of West Indies batting line-up especially with captain and pivotal batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan having his series cut short by a shoulder injury.

Tourists have been hit by several injury concerns of recent. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, team's most experienced batsman, sat out last Test with a knee injury while fast bowler Ravi Rampaul suffered groin tear while bowling against MCC and ruled out of upcoming Test.

—Agencies