Sydney: Chris Gayle has given evidence on the first day of his defamation action against an Australian media organization, denying allegations that he indecently exposed himself to a woman in a team dressing room after a practice session in Sydney during the 2015 World Cup.


The ex-West Indies captain is taking the legal action against Fairfax Media, which published the story in January 2016 in three of its newspapers.


Giving evidence Monday in the New South Wales state Supreme Court, Gayle said the allegations were "the most hurtful thing I've come across in my entire life."


Gayle said he had to defend himself against the allegations because "I want to clear my name."


"I strongly believe you stand for something or you fall for anything," he said.


The 2015 World Cup was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.


The hearing is expected to run for up to two weeks.