MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC-Twenty20 super star Chris Gayle has signed with the Melbourne Renegades for the 2015-16 Big Bash League in Australia.
The West Indies power hitter has signed a deal with Renegades which will make him available for the entire BBL season.
Gayle last played in the BBL during the 2012-13 season, when he turned out for the Sydney Thunder, and he had previously been part of Western Australia’s side in the previous version of the tournament.
“It’s exciting to be coming to the Melbourne Renegades in the sporting capital of Australia,” Gayle said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the fans, getting to know the city a little more and helping the team into the finals in BBL 05.”
Gayle will join his West Indian team mate Dwayne Bravo who is returning to Renegades after playing only four games last season before he was replaced by Bangladesh allrounder Shakib-al-Hasan.
Gayle holds the record for the world’s highest T20 score – an astonishing 175 not out from just 66 deliveries made for RCB in April 2013.
Also, he is averaging 43 for RCB this season, with a strike rate of 155.42
Gayle will open the batting with Australia T20 captain Aaron Fincher as Renegades boast the world’s most destructive opening combination.
“It’s huge to sign Chris Gayle. He’s someone who has dominated this format over a long period of time. “Along with AB (de Villiers), there is not many of them in the same bracket. He’s the world’s best I think, “said Finch.
“He dominates a game, he can win a game by himself in very limited time. To have signed someone like him to open the batting with is going to be a huge bonus for the Renegades but also the fans who are going to get to see cricket’s biggest hitter at Etihad stadium.”
Last week Gayle demonstrated his hitting power when he blazed 12 sixes in an innings of 117 from 57 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
“Chris’s abilities and experience goes without saying. He has tremendous skills both as an explosive T20 batsman but also as that genuine allrounder you need,” said new Renegades coach David Saker.
“He’s someone who can inspire the squad, particularly among our batsmen, with his confidence and his ability to back himself and flick the switch when the time is right.”
