Gayle signs for Dolphins

After signing Shaun Tait in August, Dolphins have acquired the services of Chris Gayle for next year's Pro20 series in South Africa.

Dolphins had said they would focus on young players after terminating the contracts of five seniors in February 2010, but have contracted two experienced internationals in Gayle and Tait for the Twenty20 competition. The last cricket Gayle played was in this year's IPL, in which he was in devastating form for Royal Challengers Bangalore and finished on top of the run-charts despite having arrived at the tournament late. His next assignment will be for Bangalore again, in the upcoming Champions League Twenty20 in India.

Gayle, who has played only one ODI in Durban, said he was excited about the venue being his home ground with the Dolhpins. "Twenty20 is a form of the game I love and to get the opportunity to play in a beautiful place like Durban is massively appealing," he said. "South Africa will provide a new challenge, and I'm sure alongside Shaun Tait and under the guidance of Graham Ford we can be a success."

Ford, who coaches Dolphins, said Gayle's experience would help the younger players in the side. "Chris has an amazing record as a player and will not only bring a huge amount of flair and excitement to our cricket but will also bring a vast amount of experience and knowledge, which will greatly assist the progress of our younger players," Ford said.

The Pro20 series will be played from February 15 to March 30 next year.