Gayle returns to Somerset for T20 Blast

Chris Gayle will return to Somerset for a six-match stint in the NatWest T20 Blast during June.

It will bring him back to a club where Chris Rogers, who was outspoken in his criticism of Gayle following the BBL controversy involving his TV interview with Mel McLaughlin, is the County Championship captain although Rogers will not be involved in the T20 matches. Jim Allenby will captain the T20 side.

Gayle had a brief, but blistering, appearance in the 2015 T20 Blast where he amassed 328 runs in just three matches which included an unbeaten 151 off 62 balls against Kent.

The bowling attacks who will have to be ready in 2016 are Sussex, Essex, Surrey , Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Hampshire. Gayle will make four home appearances at Taunton.

Matthew Maynard, Somerset's director of cricket said: "He is a genuinely world class player and was absolutely phenomenal for us last year. 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."

Guy Lavender, the Somerset chief executive, said that there could be scope for extending Gayle's deal depending on how Somerset perform in the competition.