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 fiveday 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 npower Test at Riverside, 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 yesterday 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 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 yesterday, 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 onboard, 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 ten-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 today, 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.’’