'No issues' as Gayle, Rogers become teammates

Somerset say there will be no issues between Chris Rogers and Chris Gayle when the two players link up at the English county side during the T20 Blast later this year.

It was announced on Wednesday that Gayle had signed a six-match deal with Somerset, who announced Rogers as their four-day captain earlier this month.

Rogers, who played with Gayle at the Sydney Thunder three years ago, was critical of the West Indian following his controversial interview on Network Ten during the recent KFC Big Bash League, which led to Gayle being fined $10,000.

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In his role as a radio commentator with ABC Grandstand, Rogers offered a blunt assessment of the former West Indies Test star's attitude and behaviour from when they briefly played in the same team.

He made the comments in full knowledge that they would likely be county teammates during the 2016 season.

"It's difficult because he could be at Somerset with me next season," Rogers said.

"From my time at the Thunder I was very disappointed with his attitude and his behaviour, and I’ve not been a fan since.

"People see these one-offs, but this is a pattern of behaviour. If you know the guy, you see it over and over."

In a long rant posted on Instagram when Gayle's BBL|05 campaign was over, the Jamaican hit back at Rogers as the past player who "claim I was no good to the youngsters while playing for the Thunder", saying Rogers – among other former players – "can kiss my 'Black Rass'".

While Gayle won't play directly under Rogers – the Australian will skipper the side in first-class cricket while Jim Allenby will take the reins for white-ball matches – the club confirmed director of cricket Matt Maynard spoke with Rogers before the deal with Gayle was announced.

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"Both are phenomenal players who will add greatly to our squad," said Somerset's chief executive Guy Lavender.

"We don’t think it’s an issue and neither do the players. We think that it can work.

"They are both professional players and have both been around the block, we don’t see this as a massive issue.

"We had a discussion the other day, not in particular relation to these signings but does everyone have to get on all of the time in teams?

"We’re not concerned it’s going to be an issue for us.”

Gayle, who hammered scores of 92, 151no and 85no in his three T20 Blast matches for Somerset last season, will play six games between June 1-19 this year.

The left-hander signed off from BBL|05 with a 12-ball half-century against the Adelaide Strikers, the equal fastest in the history of 20-over cricket.

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Despite his controversial stint with the Renegades, Maynard said Gayle was a welcome addition to Somerset during his brief stint there last year.

The former England batsman has previously labelled the Jamaican "box office" and suggested Somerset sold out their seven T20 Blast games in 2015 "essentially on the back of him signing".

And he was confident the club's two international imports would get along fine.

"He obviously didn't leave a great impression (at the Thunder), but he did here," Maynard told the BBC.

"He made a superb impression on the fans, on the players, on the town itself. He really was so well thought of and that's what you go on.

"You have to make your own decisions on people and how they come across and when he was here he was absolutely fantastic.

"I know there will be no issues between him and Chris Rogers. They are both grown men, fully professional people and they will get on fine."