Chris Gayle joins Worcestershire

Worcestershire have signed Chris Gayle for the remainder of the season as a replacement for Zander de Bruyn, the South African allrounder, who has been selected for their A team. Gayle, who has yet to play county cricket, will play his first game against Lancashire in the National League on August 24.

He will be available for five National League matches and four County Championship games and joins Shoaib Akhtar, who is mid-way through his spell at New Road. Gayle's flamboyant batting will boost a strong top-order which already includes Graeme Hick and Vikram Solanki. His flat off-spin will also be a useful weapon, especially in the closing stages of the National League season.

Worcestershire are currently fifth in Division Two of the County Championship and still very much in contention for a promotion place. However, in Division One of the National League they are rooted to the foot of the table and struggling to avoid relegation.