Somerset prepare for Chris Gayle swansong

Chris Gayle of Somerset during the NatWest T20 Blast match between Somerset and Hampshire

Christopher Henry Gayle is to make his final appearance for Somerset in this year’s NatWest T20 Blast at the County Ground when they host Surrey, on Friday. The swashbuckling batsman has been released from county engagements earlier than planned and is to miss the T20 Blast match against Glamorgan on Saturday.

Gayle has been allowed to return to West Indies because of ‘immense workload’ – Gayle will now take part in the CPLT20, turning out for Jamaica Tallawahs.

"Although slightly disappointed, his contribution to Somerset CCC during his stay has been immense," said Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard.

In their 2015 campaign, Somerset have won two of the four matches they have played, with Gayle making mammoth contributions in every game he played – with scores of 92, 151* and 85*. During his short stay in the Natwest T20 Blast, he hit a blistering 29 sixes, a feat which has never been witnessed before in the county arena.

Currently, Somerset hold the fifth position in the South Group table, with four matches remaining.