CHRIS Gayle says he is hoping to propel Somerset into the latter stages of the NatWest T20 Blast, after it was announced that the big-hitting West Indian would be returning to Taunton for this season’s competition.

Gayle - who smashed 328 runs in just three NatWest T20 Blast group matches last season, including 29 sixes and 22 fours – has signed a six-match contract at the county and is scheduled to play against: Sussex (a) on June 1, Essex (h) on June 3, Surrey (h) on June 10, Glamorgan (h) on June 15, Gloucestershire (a) on June 17 and Hampshire (h) on June 19.

But there is an option to extend the West Indian’s stay, if Somerset reach the latter stages of the competition.

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.”

The 36-year-old blasted a remarkable century on his home debut for the county last summer, smashing 10 fours and 15 sixes in an unbeaten 151 off 62 balls against Kent - but still finished on the losing side.

Bridgwater Mercury:

He finished his brief spell at the County Ground with an astronomical average of 328 after bludgeoning scores of 92, 151no and 85no against Essex, Kent and Hampshire.

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.”

Gayle signed off from this year's Big Bash by equalling the all-time record for the world's quickest Twenty20 half-century, smashing his way past 50 from just 12 balls for Melbourne Renegades.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Somerset 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 master-class that he ran for over 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.”