BBL 2019-20 team preview, squad, predictions: Melbourne Renegades

BBL 2019-20 team preview, squad, predictions: Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Renegades BBL

The final of the 2018-19 BBL, at Melbourne, turned out to be a local derby between Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars. The Renegades, in their maiden appearance in the final, put up 145/5. In response, the Stars openers added 93, and they needed 53 in 43 balls with all 10 wickets in hand.

Then followed an incredible collapse as the Stars lost 7 for 19 in 30 balls. The Renegades won by 13 runs, and along with it, their maiden BBL title.

One of the more formidable outfits of the tournament this time, the Renegades boast of a string of big hitters. While local stars like Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, and Tom Cooper (who plays for Netherlands) are likely to dominate, they will find support from their Afghan contingency – one that consists of Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Shahzad, and Asghar Afghan.

With no Kane Richardson, Nathan Rimmington, Chris Tremain, or Dwayne Bravo this time, Joe Mennie, Cameron Boyce, and Jack Wildermuth will have to shoulder the bowling attack. This is also where Nabi’s experience will come in handy.

Key players

Aaron Finch: There is little doubt over Finch’s significance in this Renegades outfit. He will have to assume dual roles of six-hitter and heavy scorer as well as lead the side – but then, that is what he does for Australia too.

Cameron Boyce: Boyce had done well in his 7 T20Is, but fell out of favour as Adam Zampa rose through the ranks. He did not quite live up to Ashley Mallett’s prediction of “best leggie in First-Class cricket since Shane Warne”, but he has been crucial for the Renegades.

Mohammad Nabi: One of the finest T20 all-rounders in contemporary cricket, Nabi has earned renown for his big hitting and accurate bowling on these hard pitches. He will play a major role here.

Melbourne Renegades squad

Domestic: Aaron Finch (c), Shaun Marsh, Tom Cooper, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Beau Webster, Jack Wildermuth, Sam Harper, Zak Evans, Joe Mennie, Cameron Boyce, Jon Holland.

Overseas: Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Shahzad.

Coach: Michael Klinger.

Prediction

A place in the top three, if not the final.