Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
One of the biggest names in world cricket will be back in the Big Bash League – and back in red – this summer.
The Melbourne Renegades have secured a massive coup ahead of BBL|12, signing world class West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell.
Russell returns to the BBL for a second stint as a Renegade. He first represented the club in BBL|04 and has featured in a further three editions of the tournament since then.
The big hitter has committed to the Renegades’ opening four matches, with England gun and number one draft pick Liam Livingstone unavailable for that period due to international commitments.
Russell is hoping he can have a big impact on the tournament in a short period of time
“I can’t wait to be part of the Big Bash League again this summer,” Russell said.
“I’m excited to be back in red and will be doing everything I can to help the Melbourne Renegades start the tournament with a bang.
“I love playing in Australia and I’m looking forward to seeing all the Renegades fans turn out at Marvel Stadium and in Geelong.”
Russell boasts an incredible record in T20 cricket, having played more than 400 T20 matches all around the world.
He has scored more than 7000 runs at a strike rate just under 170 – to go with 381 wickets – and will provide a massive boost to the Renegades’ batting and bowling stocks.
“We are thrilled to have Andre Russell returning to the Renegades this summer,” Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, said.
“Andre is one of the best T20 players in the world; he’s a proven match-winner and exactly the type of player we need. He adds to our team in all three facets of the game – his ability to clear the boundary, take wickets and make things happen in the field.
“We had positive discussions with Andre throughout the draft process and were always keen to try to get him back in red. With Liam’s availability changing after the draft, there was an opportunity to add Andre to our group and we jumped at it.
“Andre pulls people through the gates with the way he plays and to have him available for one home game apiece at Marvel Stadium and GMHBA Stadium is fantastic.
“We know our Renegades members, fans and the wider Victorian cricket community will be eager to come and watch him and the team in action this season.”
The Renegades will begin their BBL|12 campaign on December 15 against the Brisbane Heat in Cairns, before hosting the Sydney Thunder at Marvel Stadium on December 18.
From there, they head to Geelong for a return clash with the Heat on December 21 and onto Hobart for a clash with the Hurricanes on Christmas Eve.
Melbourne Renegades memberships and tickets for all BBL|12 matches are now on sale. Two-game memberships are just $65 for Adults and $20 for Juniors – providing access to both of Russell’s home games for the Renegades.
To view the full BBL|12 fixture, click here.
BBL|12 Squad (so far): Nic Maddinson (C), Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Akeal Hosein*, Ruwantha Kellapotha*, Liam Livingstone*, Shaun Marsh, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Tom Rogers, Andre Russell*, Will Sutherland, Mujeeb Ur Rahman*, Jon Wells
*Denotes international signing
