Scoring 300 is a great way to test a calibre of a batsman. Only the best of nerves can stick along and must have the patience. Isn't that what test is all about? Even by fluke one
can't get there. That is the ultimate test.
Fact 1: In the HISTROY of Test Cricket only 20 other batsman has scored 300. There is a reason why the number is so low.
Fact 2: In the HISTORY of Test Cricket only 3 other achieved what Gayle has achieved. That is multiple triple hundreds. Bradman, Lara, Shewag. Pretty good company to be with for a Domestic bully don't you think?
Gayle 2 - Tendu 0 in 300+ scores.
Replace Tendu with Ponting, Border, Waugh, Dravid, Kallis, Chandurpaul, Richards, Miandad, Boycott, Gower, G Smith, Moyo (couple of years he was unstoppable, run machine), Haynes, Gordon G, C Lloyd, Amla .... I can go on and on. Still 2-0.
Noone is claiming he is the greatest with 41 average and 13 centurties. He is certainly one of the greats in the game - even in test standards. The problem was he couldn't get along with WI management. Certainly in his prime he would have upped his average considerably. Especially in placid wickets all around the world. last two years were crucial. De Silva, Gooch, Haynes, Vengsarkar averaged 42, Mark Waugh, Strauss 41, Flemming 40.
Considering all format he is among the elite of course.
As for his comment on Test cricket can die for all he cares - Serena Williams hates (I repeat HATES) to play Tennis yet she plays. Personal opinion doesn't mean anything on the game itself. Gayle prefers the lesser format. Because he is head and shoulder above others in that format. Why blame him on his preference?