Gayle to play Twenty20 for Western Australia

Perth (Australia), July 1 (ANI): Western Australia have secured the services of West Indies captain Chris Gayle for this summer's domestic Twenty20 competition.

Gayle, one of the biggest and cleanest hitters in the game, has taken a particular liking to Twenty20 cricket.

In 12 Twenty20 internationals, the 29-year-old left-hander has plundered 454 runs at a phenomenal average of 41.27, while also snaring seven wickets at 27 apiece.

"Given the profile and the importance of the KFC Big Bash competition ... it presents an exciting opportunity for WA cricket fans to catch a glimpse of one of the world's premier Twenty20 cricketers," Warriors coach Tom Moody said.

"Chris will provide a tremendous boost to the Warriors' Big Bash campaign, and having missed out on the the opportunity to compete at the first Champions League Twenty20, we are determined to do all that we can to give ourselves a great chance of qualifying for the 2010 edition of the tournament," Fox Sports quoted Moody, as saying further.

Gayle's countryman Dwyane Bravo will play for Victoria this season.

WA approached Adam Gilchrist in a bid to lure the former Australian Test wicketkeeper back to the Warriors for the Twenty20 competition but Gilchrist declined the offer. (ANI)