PERTH, Australia (CMC) — Western Australia (WA) are celebrating the return of Chris Gayle for the 2010/2011 Big Bash Twenty20 competition.

The West Indies opener received clearance this week from the West Indies Cricket Board to play in the Big Bash, which begins next month.

“Twenty20 cricketers need to be proficient in all three facets of the game,” said WA coach Mickey Arthur.

“Chris is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in world cricket, is an excellent spin bowler, and a very good fielder, so he ticks all boxes.”

The former South Africa coach added: “Chris also offers tremendous leadership qualities as a former captain of the West Indies team, a position he held for a number of years, and he is also a huge drawing card that the WA public fell in love with last summer. He is a massive signing for the Warriors.”

Arthur recalls when Gayle hit the first T20 International hundred ever, an incredible 117 from just 50 balls against hosts South Africa in the inaugural T20 World Cup at the Wanderers in Johannesburg three years ago.

“I was coaching the Proteas team that night, and saw Chris at his destructive best,” said Arthur. “I am very happy that he is now on my side.”

Fresh from his second Test triple-hundred of 333 against Sri Lanka in Galle, Gayle was excited about his return to WA.

“It was unfortunate that injury prevented me from playing the entire Big Bash last year, but the West Australian public were very friendly, and really welcomed me as a member of the Warriors squad,” he said.

“I will be looking to repay that support, and do all that I can to help the Retravision Warriors be successful in this season’s Big Bash, and qualify for the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.”

Gayle made just two appearances for the Warriors last season before a side strain forced him out.

The Warriors open their campaign against Tasmania on December 30 at the WACA.