Controversial Chris Gayle to feel the love at Somerset again

SOMERSET HAVE re-signed West Indies superstar Chris Gayle for the six T20 Blast matches starting in June. The 36-year-old scored 328 runs in his three games for the club last year and they will be hoping he can repeat those types of results.

Gayle has recently divided opinion regarding his personal conduct, after he asked a reporter out on a date on live TV after featuring for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. Although he apologised and paid his £4,900 fine the player described the resulting furore as “out of proportion”.

When asked about the new deal with Somerset, Gayle said: “I really enjoyed my time at Somerset last year. It’s a great club and the supporters were absolutely incredible.

“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.”

The competition with commence for Somerset with their opener against Sussex on June 1 and they will play six matches in total. The final one will see them face Hampshire on June 19.

The batsman equalled the record for the quickest half-century off 12-balls earlier this month while playing for the Renegades in Australia.

Director of Cricket Matt Maynard described the left-hander as “box office” and suggested that Gayle was the reason they sold out all of their T20 Blast games last season.