SOMERSET fans are bracing themselves for another exhibition of explosive hitting from the world’s number one Chris Gayle when Surrey visit the Cooper Associates County Ground this evening where the game starts at 5.30pm, writes Richard Walsh.

Last Friday, Gayle smashed 49 to see Somerset to a seven-wicket victory over Essex in front of a sell-out crowd.

Batting first, a good all-round bowling and fielding performance saw Essex limited to 178-7 off their 20 with Lewis Gregory the pick of the Somerset bowlers with 2-25 off four overs.

Gayle then struck five 4s and four seemingly effortless massive 6s in a 23-ball knock that laid the foundation for a comfortable Somerset victory with more than two overs to spare.

After the game, Gayle said: “It’s great to be back in Taunton and tonight’s win was a great team effort. 

“We bowled fantastically well and they all chipped in. Then, to finish it off with the bat, we couldn’t have asked for a better display of cricket. The crowd and the cheer was fantastic and I just love it here so it’s great to be back here at Taunton.”

Gayle then went off to meet the crowd, sign autographs and pose for selfies, which is why he is such a hero - both on and off the field.

Looking ahead to Friday’s T20 game, Matt Maynard said: “We had a good win over Essex in the 50-over game and, with the crowd, it was like having a 12th man on the field. 

“The guys played well last Friday and we need to build on that and try to do the same against Surrey. Chris Gayle is the best in the world and hit some massive sixes. In this format he is brilliant for the team.”

Somerset play two Royal London One Day Cup matches in the next few days.

They travel to play Essex on Sunday and Kent at Canterbury on Tuesday before returning to Taunton to face Glamorgan in the T20 on Wednesday.