CHRIS Gayle is taking his mind off the on-going West Indies contract row by enjoying the serenity of Worcestershire life.

The Jamaican all-rounder is still caught up in the dispute over endorsement contracts that led to his omission -- along with several other top stars -- from their Test tour to Sri Lanka in June and July.

Brian Lara and Ramnaresh Sarwan were also involved in the row and failed to show in the subcontinent.

The dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board and players has dragged for months, ever since the board signed a multi-million dollar contract sponsored by Digicel, while seven players, including Gayle, had personal contracts with rival telecommunications provider Cable & Wireless.

For the time being, the 25-year-old opener is sitting tight and concentrating on one thing -- chalking up centuries for the County.

But a return on the international stage is just around the corner. After his short spell at New Road, Gayle will figure in the ICC Rest of the World XI to challenge Australia in three one-day matches in October.

And if the West Indies contract row is fully resolved, he will tour Australia in November and New Zealand next February for consecutive three-Test series.

"This is my first bit of cricket for quite some time," said Gayle. "A while ago, my agent invited me to play for Worcestershire and I said I was interested.

"At the time I was not playing any cricket for whatever circumstances I found myself in.

"It's the first time I've ever played county cricket and I'm enjoying it. I have some more cricket to play in Australia before the end of the year.

"It then starts again in November to next summer. I've got a lot of cricket coming up, so I want to keep fit at Worcestershire and see what happens."

Worcestershire have made no secret that a genuine world-class batsman is at the top of their agenda for the 2006 season.

Although the West Indies are scheduled to host Zimbabwe and India in the Caribbean next April and May, Gayle has declared to New Road officials that he is keen to return next year if available. He said: "I've told Worcestershire that I think I will be able to play county cricket again next season.

"If I'm available, I'm willing to come back and play for Worcestershire again. It will depend on what happens next year."

For now, Gayle is determined to bludgeon a stack of runs and help keep the County's flagging season alive.

Despite his usual flamboyance and aggressive nature at the crease, he admits that batting in English conditions late in the summer does require knuckling down.

"I think now it's the kind of conditions that really test your skills," said Gayle, 26 later this month.

"Sometimes the wickets here are good to bat on, but sometimes you might find it a bit difficult to score.

"But as a professional, you should be looking to accept anything in terms of cricket. You have to play the wicket as you see it."