The Melbourne Renegades will attempt to defend the Big Bash League crown for the first time in BBL09 and they look well equipped to put up another strong showing after claiming the title in fine style a year ago. They look to have strengthened nicely in the off season and if the coaching transition from Andrew McDonald to Michael Klinger goes smoothly it is hard to see them not putting up a huge defence of their crown over the course of the campaign.
Stats
Last Season: Champions
Captain: Aaron Finch
Overseas Players: Harry Gurney, Richard Gleeson and Mohammad Nabi
Key Player: Aaron Finch
Best Odds: 11/2 Betway, BetVictor
Predicted Finishing Position: 1st
Fixtures
Thursday December 19 – Sydney Thunder (h)
Saturday December 21 – Perth Scorchers (a)
Tuesday December 24 – Hobart Hurricanes (a)
Sunday December 29 – Adelaide Strikers (h)
Thursday January 2 – Sydney Sixers (h)
Saturday January 4 – Melbourne Stars (a)
Tuesday January 7 – Perth Scorchers (h)
Friday January 10 – Melbourne Stars (h)
Sunday January 12 – Adelaide Strikers (a)
Wednesday January 15 – Sydney Thunder (a)
Sunday January 19 – Brisbane Heat (a)
Tuesday January 21 – Hobart Hurricanes (h)
Saturday January 25 – Sydney Sixers (a)
Monday January 27 – Brisbane Heat (h)
Squad
Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Tom Cooper, Zak Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Richard Gleeson, Harry Gurney, Sam Harper (wk), Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Jon Holland, Shaun Marsh, Joe Mennie, Mohammad Nabi, Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Beau Webster, Jack Wildermuth
Preview
The champions will be out to showcase their credentials once again over the course of the season and they have set their stall out by strengthening in all areas. Shaun Marsh comes into the batting line up and he is one of the best batsmen in the history of this competition so that is a massive boost, especially for the week or two when Aaron Finch will be away with Australia. A couple of young batsmen are going to be given the opportunity to deliver the goods too.
With the ball, Harry Gurney has been brought in for the entire season and that is no bad thing, while Richard Gleeson should be a good deputy for Mohammad Nabi in the early part of the campaign. With the leading wicket taker from last season in their ranks too in Kane Richardson, there is a lot to like about the red machine, especially with them having the confidence now that they know what it takes to go all the way.
Betting
I was hoping to find some value alternatives to Aaron Finch in the batting market for the Melbourne Renegades this season but the bookmakers are clued up to the fact that he is off to India halfway through the competition. Shaun Marsh is the favourite in most places but it has been confirmed that he won’t open the batting which is a concern to me. That might make Sam Harper worthy of support but I would want a bigger price than we’re getting too.
In the bowling department I’m already on Kane Richardson to be the leading bowler in the tournament but that has already taken a hit with the news that he is toddling off to India for a spell during the event. That probably gives Harry Gurney the chance to come through and lead the wicket taking but again that is reflected in the prices. Hopefully Richardson fills his boots before he goes and when he comes back but either way nothing stands out as a bet.
Tips
No Bet
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