The 2019-20 Big Bash League (BBL) has evolved on various fronts. They have introduced the five-team final format, which is like a second life to the qualifying teams. The teams have taken on new players. But all eyes are on the defending champions, Melbourne Renegades. They have roped in Usman Shinwari, a Pakistani left-arm bowler that has a unique cricketing style called steamer.
He will play the first five games and England’s Harry Gurney will play the remaining games. This is the second time Shinwari will be playing for this team. Last season, he finished with eight wickets with an economic rate of 6.14.
Faheem Ashraf, a Pakistani all-rounder, is the other latest member in the group. He will play for eight games and then Afghani allrounder Mohammad Nabi will take over. Ashraf is a phenomenal player. In the 2019 Pakistan Super League, he was the second-highest wicket-taker. He played for the Islamabad United and took 21 strikes in 12 innings. In 2018, he was the best wicket taker. Since his debut to the T20 format, Ashraf has secured 93 wickets and 558 runs in the 83 T20s.
Usman Shinwari and Faheem Ashrafwill kickstart the tournament for Melbourne Renegade, but Mohammad Nabi and Harry Gurney will usher the team in the later matches. The new head coach Michael Klinger told ESPN cricinfo, “I’m pleased with how we’re shaping up. Mohammad Nabi and Harry Gurney showed their class last season so we’re glad to have them on board for the second half of the home and away season and hopefully finals.”
Klinger adds, “After winning a title, the competition for spots in the 11 is going to be fierce and we feel we’ve got plenty of options to cover the challenges that we’ll be confronted with throughout the season.” Will the shuffling of players work in favour of Melbourne Renegade? Will they take home the trophy second time in a row?
The present and confirmed team for Melbourne Renegades includes:
- Aaron Finch (c)
- Faheem Ashraf (Pakistan)
- Cameron Boyce
- Dan Christian
- Tom Cooper
- Zak Evans
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Harry Gurney (England)
- Sam Harper
- Marcus Harris
- Mackenzie Harvey
- Jon Holland
- Shaun Marsh
- Joe Mennie
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
- Kane Richardson
- Usman Shinwari (Pakistan)
- Will Sutherland
- Beau Webster
- Jack Wildermuth
Melbourne Renegades are fired up to take on this season of the BBL. So, join in the excitement and create your fantasy cricket team only on My11Circle.