Somerset swoop for Levi

Somerset have signed Twenty20 record holder Richard Levi for their Friends Life t20 campaign.

The South African batsman struck the quickest international century against New Zealand in February in just his second match for the Proteas.

Levi smashed 117 not out off 51 balls, with his ton coming off just 45 deliveries, to guide his side to an eight-wicket victory in Hamilton.

The 24-year-old's arrival to Taunton will be a timely boost after Francois du Plessis withdrew from their FLt20 squad due to being called up to the South Africa A side for the visit of Sri Lanka and the Twenty20 series in Zimbabwe.

Du Plessis was originally signed by Somerset after Chris Gayle pulled out of a deal when he opted to resurrect his West Indies career.

Levi is currently plying his trade for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League and will join his Somerset team-mates at the conclusion of the tournament.