Finch, Gayle, Pattinson and Bravo headline a Renegades squad full of firepower
BBL|05 Preview: Melbourne Renegades
Squad: Thomas Beaton, Dwayne Bravo (OS), Tom Cooper, Xavier Doherty, Callum Ferguson, Aaron Finch (c), Chris Gayle (OS), Nathan Hauritz, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Nathan Rimmington, Matthew Short, Peter Siddle, Chris Tremain, Matthew Wade, Guy Walker, Cameron White, Nick Winter
INS: Chris Gayle (OS), Xavier Doherty (Hurricanes), Nathan Hauritz (Thunder), Chris Tremain (Thunder), Guy Walker, Cameron White (Stars)
OUTS: Fawad Ahmed (Thunder), Alex Doolan (Heat), Jayde Herrick, Aaron O'Brien, Ben Rohrer (Thunder), Andre Russell (OS, Thunder), Shakib Al Hasan (OS), Ben Stokes (OS), Andrew Fekete (Heat)
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Master Blaster
It has to be the captain and all-time leading run-scorer for the Renegades, Aaron Finch. Opening the batting, Finch has taken down the best bowlers in the BBL over its four years and was inspirational in the Renegades charge to a semi-final appearance in BBL|02. Finch has stolen headlines not once but twice with his thunderous stroke play, hitting the Etihad Stadium roof on two occasions.
Strike Weapon
While the Renegades possess quality pacemen in James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Nathan Rimmington, the key to a successful campaign this summer could be new recruit Xavier Doherty. The left-arm orthodox spinner has taken 24 wickets in his four seasons in the BBL (all with the Hurricanes) and at his frugal best can be difficult to get away to the boundary. Doherty and former Australia tweaker Nathan Hauritz could work in tandem if conditions suit. And 'X' has taken a BBL hat-trick to boot.
Young Gun
A talented batsman, Tom Beaton made his debut in Renegade red last summer and will look to add to his four caps this season. Beaton was part of the successful Australia Under-19 World Cup triumph alongside Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson and Mitchell Marsh in 2010. With international commitments set to hamper the 'Gades, Beaton could be looking at an extended run in the XI this summer.
Overseas Impact
In terms of pure excitement, it doesn't get much better than the West Indies pairing of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo. Gayle's record speaks for itself, but if you aren't aware of his incredible abilities as a power-hitter, he once plundered 175 in a T20 in the Indian Premier League. That’s one hundred and seventy-five! Bravo, though not as violent, can rip apart bowling attacks with the bat and then back it up with the ball and rattle batting lineups. If these two fire, Melbourne will be hard to beat.
Surprise Packet
Matthew Wade's talent is well known, but the surprise here is his rapid recovery from a broken collarbone which could see him available for the Renegades' first match of the season. Wade fractured his left clavicle while batting in the nets on the morning of a Shield game in less than a month ago. Despite an early prognosis that Wade would not available until after Christmas, the 27-year-old is now confident that he will be fit for the Renegades opening clash against the Heat on December 19. Fortunately for Finch and his charges, the 'Gades have Test 'keeper Peter Nevill waiting in the wings should Wade still need more time.
Fantasy Bargain
Unbelievably, Finch is worth only $42,200. Get on red and get on Finchy!