NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC):

Chris Gayle has asked his fellow batsmen to do some serious soul-searching after senseless batting condemned West Indies to a one-run defeat to South Africa in the second and final Twenty20 international yesterday.

The batting again let West Indies down, as they finished on 119 for seven from their allocation of 20 overs, replying to South Africa's 120 for seven from 20 overs at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

"I think they think about what they need to do, but it is a pressure situation, and the mindset is just not right," said the West Indies captain.

"I do not know if they are too worried about their position in the batting order, or their place in the team too much, or something else, but they have to free up. They have to go out there with a free mind, and play some good cricket."

Gayle acknowledged that the batting has been a problem in recent matches, but he felt powerless to do much more than he does right now.

"It's up to the individual," he said. "They have to look into themselves, and try to redeem themselves as much as possible. I cannot do it for them. I have a lot about which to think as well, so it's up to them."

He added: "The batting a big concern for us, and I do not know what will happen in the 50 overs-a-side format. It is something the selectors would have to examine, and determine the way forward."

"We are playing against one of the best teams in the world. You might not get a lot of support because we are playing bad cricket, so that is expected. At the same time, things may appear flat in comparison because both teams are coming out of the T20 World Cup, and did not do well."

Gayle was hugely disappointed that West Indies could not cross the threshold, but he felt there was one part of the team's game that was functioning.

"Credit must go to the bowlers," he said. "I thought they bowled well on an up-and-down pitch, so we must give credit to the bowlers," he said.

Gayle also addressed the issue of where the big-hitting Kieron Pollard should come in the batting order. Several knowledgeable observers believe he should bat at either three or four consistently rather than six or seven, where he has often appeared.

"We have discussed it, but we sat down and decided that we did not want to send him in too high because we may need the power-hitting sometimes at the end," he said.

"But the majority of the times he has come in, the run rate has been too high. He is only human, and expectations may be too high."

West Indies and South Africa will next play five one-day internationals, starting tomorrow at the same venue, which also hosts the second ODI.

This will be followed by three Tests in Jamaica, St Kitts, and Barbados.