The Melbourne Renegades will field a truly devastating opening partnership next Twenty20 Big Bash League season, with the club signing West Indian superstar Chris Gayle.
The 35-year-old powerhouse batsman will combine with Renegades and Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch when BBL05 starts in December.
Gayle, became the first batsman to score a World Cup double century when he made 215 off just 138 balls against Zimbabwe in February
He is ranked sixth on the ICC T20 player world rankings and averages an impressive 42.21 in domestic T20 matches, having scored 7345 runs.
Finch, meanwhile, is ranked second with a domestic T20 average of 32.85.
"Awesome to have signed the big man @henrygayle for the @RenegadesBBL!! Get your hard hats at the gate " Finch tweeted soon after the announcement.
New head coach David Saker said Gayle's ability to unleash his trademark hitting would be a valuable asset for the team.
"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," Saker said.
Gayle said he was ready to entertain fans in Melbourne, in what will be his second BBL stint after he played the opening two seasons with the Sydney Thunder.
His signing follows the departure of Pakistan-born legspinning Ashes tourist Fawad Ahmed to the Thunder.
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