Melbourne Stars skipper Cameron White and English import Jos Buttler, lining up for cross-town rivals the Renegades, took to the boxing ring to launch the hotly anticipated clash that will open BBL03.
Aaron Finch holds the key to the Renegades' success. Source: News Limited
THEY started out as the Big Bash League's ugly ducklings, but last season Melbourne Renegades proved they were a force to be reckoned with in the Big Bash League.
Far from being overshadowed by cross-town rivals Melbourne Stars, the Renegades were the form team for much of the competition, thanks mainly to the power-hitting of Aaron Finch.
They'll look to continue that form this season, as Sri Lankan legend Murali returns for another crack at the BBL, where he'll form a deadly spin duo with Fawad Ahmed.
An explosive Melbourne derby kicks off the 2013/14 Big Bash League season.
The X-Factor: Aaron Finch
Early runs are crucial in T20 cricket and there is arguably no better player at the top of the order than Aaron Finch. The Renegades skipper has amassed 591 runs across the two seasons of the BBL at a strike rate of 130.46, making him the most dangerous player in the competition.
The Smokey: Ben Rohrer
One of the most unheralded cricketers in the country, Rohrer is the ideal foil for the Renegades' power-hitters. The NSW left-hander works the ball into space with great skill during the middle and closing overs, often applying the finishing touch on Finch's path of destruction.
Ben Rohrer was the unsung hero for the Renegades last season. Source: News Limited
Last season: 1st (lost semi-final)
The Squad:
Aaron Finch, Jos Buttler, Tom Cooper, Alex Doolan, Fawad Ahmed, Matthew Gale, Jake Haberfield, Mohammed Hafeez, Daniel Harris, Jayde Herrick, Michael Hill, Muttiah Muralitharan, Peter Nevill, Aaron O'Brien, James Pattinson, Nathan Rimmington, Ben Rohrer, William Sheridan, Peter Siddle
Odds: $7.50
Stuart Clark's verdict:
Little brothers to the Stars. Quality team who fell just short last year. Always a hard team to beat at home.
Fawad Ahmed’s star continues to rise. Picture: Hamish Blair. Source: News Limited
No comments:
Post a Comment