Big-hitting batsman Chris Gayle is returning to Somerset County Cricket Club this season to play in the NatWest T20 Blast – and you could win a bat signed by the cricket star.
Gayle joined Somerset for three twenty20 games last season and took an immediate liking to the West Country wicket, scoring 328 runs from those three innings, including 22 fours and an incredible 29 sixes.
He will make his next appearance for Somerset on June 1 at Sussex, before returning to the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton on June 3 to take on Essex.
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 of the NatWest T20 Blast.”
Gayle, who has played in more than 400 international matches across all formats for the West Indies, is an experienced twenty20 batsman, having competed in competitions around the world.
But what some people may not know is his willingness to give time to young cricket fans and give something back to the community.
Last year, he inspired youngsters to play the sport by offering batting, bowling and fielding tips at a specially-arranged cricketing masterclass.
Somerset CCC chief executive Guy Lavender said: “Chris Gayle was outstanding for us last year. Not only did he score a tremendous amount of runs in a way that only he can, he also went out of his way to involve himself in the community projects that we carry out.
“The masterclass that he ran for more than 30 of our junior supporters was typical of how he willingly gave his time for free to inspire the next generation of young cricketers.
“Everyone sees the runs that he scores but not everyone will be aware of his willingness to help off the pitch.
“It is these two elements which have maintained our desire to ensure that he would be back with us in 2016.”
As well as providing his experience to the youngsters taking part in the masterclass, he also posed for pictures and signed autographs.
Somerset Cricket Board development manager Andy Fairbairn said: “We have never known such a clamour for people to attend an event such as we had for this event.
“For those youngsters fortunate enough to be selected it was an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Just his presence is enough to inspire young people to become something special.”
Gayle will join the team on June 1 for six matches, four of which will be played in Taunton.
There is also potential to extend the agreement, depending on how the team do in the tournament.
Tickets go on sale on March 7 and are available from www.somersetcountycc.co.uk or by calling 08453 371875.
* The Mercury has teamed up with Somerset County Cricket Club to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a bat signed by Chris Gayle.
The competition closes at 10am on March 11.
Usual Archant rules apply and the editor’s decision is final. By entering this competition you are agreeing to be contacted by Archant.
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