West Indies captain Chris Gayle insists he retains great respect for his opposite number Andrew Strauss, despite their contrasting allegiances to Twenty20 and Test cricket.
The modern battleground between the primacy of five-day or 20-over cricket is in danger of dividing world cricket - and the differing styles of fellow opening batsmen Gayle and Strauss mean they are poles apart on the issue.
On the eve of the second Test at Chester-le-Street, Gayle also qualified his controversial hint he may be on the verge of resigning the West Indies captaincy - admitting nonetheless his career in the longer format is probably in its twilight.
Twenty-nine-year-old Gayle had much explaining to do after the publication this morning of an interview in which he also appeared to question Test cricket's right to remain at the pinnacle of his sport.
In the same Guardian report, he also suggested Strauss' opinion on the subject may be clouded by the fact he is much more suited to Test cricket than the lucrative Twenty20 format.
But on Wednesday, Gayle spelled out his professed preference for Indian Premier League over Tests is purely his own perspective rather than a telling comment on the bigger picture.
"I woke up this morning, and it seems after I did an interview a couple of days ago it's stirred the whole place up a bit," the Jamaican observed.
"Test cricket is always going to be there. But for me as an individual, I don't see me playing Test cricket for any very long period of time."
"Twenty20 has come on board, and it's made a huge impact in the world. It's brilliant, and games have been sold out."
"It's taken the place by storm."
"Test cricket, I look at it different. I don't see it as long term for me. That's my gut feeling."
Strauss and Gayle's differences of opinion first came into sharp relief before England's 10-wicket victory at Lord's last week when the home captain queried the late arrival of his opposite number, because of his IPL stint.
Gayle has since suggested West Indies' arrangements ought not to be of concern to Strauss.
When the two walk out to exchange teams on Thursday, though, Gayle confirms there will be no hard feelings.
"I'll be shaking his hand, calling heads and winning the toss - still have a laugh and a chat about it," he predicted.
"I don't keep malice with anybody; I'm not into those sort of games."
"I'm not trying to degrade or disrespect Strauss; I would never do that."
"But sometimes you just have to stand up for your rights."
Reports from the Caribbean have quoted West Indies Cricket Board president Julian Hunte expressing regret at Gayle's remarks and fears the team will be unsettled immediately before an important match.
Gayle unsurprisingly subscribes to none of that.
"People might think there is conflict while Chris Gayle is wanting to resign as captain. But there is absolutely nothing like that going on," he stressed.
"I have not yet come across the feeling that I want to stop playing Test cricket fully."
"I'm happy to be here right now, trying to retain the [Wisden] Trophy."
Gayle does concede, though, that - after 81 Tests in a nine-year career so far - the lure of Twenty20 cricket may well convince him soon he has had enough of the five-day grind.
"I've enjoyed each and every bit of the game," he claims.
"But there's a lot of cricket to be played, and I've started to develop a lot of injuries in my career."
"It takes a toll on your body and your mental strength. You do get drained, and at some stage you're not going to go on forever."
"I have one life, and this is just how I feel. Everyone should be able to respect how one individual feels."
Gayle is determined to be true to himself and brave enough to take a difficult decision if he senses he must.
"You have to choose what you want to do. You don't want to be sitting around not doing what you want; you want to change and move on to something different," he believes.
"This is not the first time I've discussed this. I've said it before to friends and players, maybe not in the media - so it's not something that I've thought of overnight."
"Until the time comes, I still have a job to fulfil. As soon as I don't have the passion for Test cricket, I will stop."
Back-up opening batsman Dale Richards has left the West Indies tour party because of a shoulder injury. He will not be replaced in the squad.