New Delhi: Chris Gayle ended up on the losing side despite marking his home debut for county side Somerset with a remarkable hundred in their Twenty20 Blast match against Kent on Sunday.
However, the match was marked by a rather interesting incident when Gayle smashed a six into Taunton's River Tone.
Martin Bullock, a Somerset fan at the ground, did not hesistate before diving in the river, swimming to retrieve the ball.
@henrygayle Take a bow sir - that was quite sensational today! I swam for my souvenir at the end #Awesome pic.twitter.com/rng3I4oHcV
— Martin Bullock (@MartinDB07) May 31, 2015
Gayle was impressed with the enthusiasm of Bullock and signed the ball for him.
@SomersetCCC I went and got it! #BloodyCold pic.twitter.com/E1jPJVx25m
— Martin Bullock (@MartinDB07) May 31, 2015
@SomersetCCC #bestinthewest pic.twitter.com/8q6CmwQWis
— Harry Compton (@HarryCompton_) May 31, 2015
Hats off to you Champ... https://t.co/MiSm7fMX61
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) June 1, 2015
The 35-year-old West Indies left-hander, renowned as one of the most dynamic batsmen in world cricket today, struck 10 fours and 15 sixes as he made a stunning 151 not out off just 62 balls at Taunton`s County Ground.
Yet Kent still came away with a three-run win after they defended a total of 227 for seven that featured Sam Northeast`s 114.
Gayle could only watch as Somerset slumped to 22 for two before the powerful Jamaican smashed three sixes in eight balls.