West Indies captain Chris Gayle confirmed he will shake off the effects of jetlag to take his place in this week's opening Test against Australia at the Gabba, but his side may be without Ramnaresh Sarwan after the veteran batsman injured his back on Wednesday.
Gayle returned to Brisbane at 9am on Wednesday morning, having travelled the better part of 50, 000 kilometers in the past fortnight after flying home to be with his sick mother in Jamaica.
His return was offset by news Sarwan would be in doubt for the first Test that gets underway on Thursday after a bizarre mishap during a fielding drill at Allan Border Field.
Sarwan, who crafted scores of 73 and 66 to be one of few West Indians to shine in their drawn tour match against Queensland, appeared to be in serious pain after falling awkwardly during a standard drill.
He was then helped from the ground by team physiotherapist CJ Clark.
The Windies camp was unsure about the extent of the blow and was optimistic Sarwan would play.
If Sarwan was unable to recover, Gayle nominated either Travis Dowlin or Narsingh Deonarine as the candidates to fill the void in the Windies' top order.
Gayle admitted the potential loss of Sarwan for the first Test would damage his side's chances.
"It's not good news, but we're going to keep our fingers crossed and hopefully tomorrow he'll be fit," Gayle said.
"He got some runs in the last game so he's in good nick. To lose him at this point in time, it's a crucial point in time, but if that's the case then someone will have to step up and make a giant contribution."
Australia captain Ricky Ponting suggested the absence of Sarwan, one of three credentialed batsmen in the Windies lineup alongside Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, would be a 'massive blow' for the underdogs.
"To have their captain going halfway round the world in the past couple of days and one of their better batsmen going down, it's obviously not a great start for them," Ponting said.
"All we can do is prepare for both of those guys to play, we've talked about those guys' importance to their team, so we'll just wait and see what they come out with."
Gayle trained at AB Field on Wednesday and then completed his pre-match media duties at the Gabba, vowing he would take his place at the top of the Windies order.
"It will be difficult but I am committed to it, it doesn't make sense to sit around and watch the team," Gayle said.
"It is always difficult to come in the day before a Test match but what I am trying to do is prepare mentally."
"I will try and lead from the front, it won't be easy but at the same time I am mentally ready, and after hitting the balls in the nets today I am feeling pretty confident."
Gayle was adamant that his side would not be looking to use the less than ideal preparation as an excuse if they put in a poor showing in Brisbane.
"It's something you have to deal with, it's not the best thing you want, but we're not looking for any excuse."
"We're all big men here so we just have to handle our business out there in the middle, regardless of what's been happening off the field."