West Indies’ Chris Gayle was expected to hang up his international boots post the completion of the 2019 ICC World Cup but the veteran batsman has now declared his intentions to extend his career beyond the tournament.

Gayle had earlier announced his intentions to retire from international cricket after the World Cup in England but the Jamaican is now looking to feature in the home ODI series against India which takes place in August.

The 39-year-old is not only looking to play in the 50-over series but is also aiming to make a comeback to the Test setup for the first time since September, 2014.

“My plans after the World Cup, may be play a Test match against India,” Gayle said on the eve of Windies’ clash against India at Old Trafford.

“And then I’ll definitely play the ODIs against India. I won’t play the T20s,” he added.

Gayle’s about-turn came as a surprise to even skipper Jason Holder who ultimately welcomed the veteran’s desire to extend his West Indies career.

“I just found out as well,” said Holder on Wednesday.

“So, I guess I’ll have to go downstairs and have a serious conversation with him but if he is dedicated to play for the West Indies any longer then I feel it’s definitely going to benefit us.

“He didn’t say anything really in the dressing room. But yeah, it’s great. It’s great for cricket. It’s good to have Chris around as I said before. He’s got a lot to offer still, I believe and hopefully his body could hold up and he could hopefully be on the cricket field for a little longer for West Indies.”

Gayle has so far played 103 Tests, 295 ODIs and 58 T20Is for West Indies so far since making his international debut in 1999. The southpaw has registered two half-centuries in five innings so far in the 2019 World Cup so far with a highest score of 87 against New Zealand.

Gayle and Windies will be in action on Thursday when they take on India at Old Trafford in Manchester.