Chris Gayle to play for Somerset in T20 Blast this season

By Charlie McFaulds

Image: Chris Gayle will return to Somerset for the T20 Bash

Somerset have announced Chris Gayle has signed a six-match contract to play in this year's T20 Blast.

The West Indian starred for Somerset last season when he amassed over 300 runs in just three appearances.

Gayle was recently fined by Melbourne Renegades for comments made during an interview with a female journalist while playing in the Big Bash, which he has since apologised for.

And Somerset's director of cricket, Matt Maynard is thrilled to have the left-hander back again at the club.

Maynard said: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of Chris Gayle once again. He is a genuinely world-class player and was absolutely phenomenal for us last year.

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"He is probably the biggest name in the sport at the moment and his performances in the Big Bash recently have only underlined his status as one of the most explosive players that cricket has ever seen.

"Taunton was absolutely rocking when he was out in the middle last year and Somerset fans can look forward to more of the same in 2016."

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Gayle is enthused at the prospect of playing in front of the Somerset fans again after enjoying his time in the West Country last year.

"I really enjoyed my time at Somerset last year. It's a great club and the supporters were absolutely incredible," said Gayle.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the fans again and to scoring some more runs. Hopefully I can help the club make it through to the later stages of the NatWest T20 Blast."

The six games Gayle is scheduled to play in for Somerset are the home fixtures against Essex (June 3), Surrey (June 10), Glamorgan (June 15) and Hampshire (June 19) and he is also set to feature in the away matches against Sussex (June 1) and Gloucestershire (June 17).

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