Chris Gayle will be returning to Somerset for a six match contract to appear in this seasons NatWest T20 Blast from 1 June.

He will play hames against Sussex, Essex, Surrey, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Hampshire after making a huge impression at Taunton last summer when he made 328 runs in three appearances. This included 22 fours and an incredible 29 sixes. After the initial six games there is a potential to extend the agreement id Somerset are doing well in the competition.

“I really enjoyed my time at Somerset last year,” said Gayle. “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 of the NatWest T20 Blast.”

Following the announcement of the signing Director of Cricket Matt 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. 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.”