Scandal-plagued Gayle makes quick-fire innings

Scandal-plagued Melbourne Renegade Chris Gayle has made a quick-fire 21 runs in his first game following controversial comments made towards Channel Ten reporter Melanie McLaughlin.

The Jamaican blaster fired a run a ball in the derby against the Melbourne Stars at Etihad Stadium before trying one big shot too many.

Facing Stars' bowler Marcus Stoinis, Gayle sized up a ball that landed short of length and tried to heave it into the crowd.

But the 36-year-old didn’t quite connect with his attempted hook and holed out in the deep to Rob Quiney.

Gayle was condemned in the week leading up to the derby after making sexist remarks to McLaughlin after being dismissed for 41 runs against the Hobart Hurricanes.

The West Indian told the clearly uncomfortable reporter that he had purposely been dismissed so that he could "look in your eyes".

"Hopefully we can win this game and have a drink after. Don’t blush baby," Gayle said as McLaughlin avoided eye contact.

A laughing Gayle finally said "oh sorry" before McLaughlin crossed back to the commentary team.

The comments were blasted as "disrespectful and simply inappropriate" and Gayle was fined $10,000 by the Renegades.

Fairfax then detailed allegations Gayle exposed himself indecently in the dressing rooms when he was part of West Indies' World Cup squad.

Gayle's management threatened legal action on Wednesday.