The Melbourne Renegades are set to kick off their BBL15 season against the Brisbane Heat at GMHBA Stadium on Monday, December 15. This match marks the first of two opportunities for fans in Geelong to support their team before the Renegades shift their remaining home games to Melbourne.
After a disappointing absence from the finals in the past two seasons, coach Cameron White’s squad is eager to start strong against a competitive Brisbane side. The Renegades have been active in the offseason, securing key players including reliable pace bowler Jason Behrendorff from Perth and Ashes squad member Brendan Doggett from Adelaide. They also added promising batter Caleb Jewell, who made the move from Hobart.
Under the leadership of Will Sutherland, who will captain the team in BBL15, the Renegades will boast a formidable bowling lineup featuring Victorian talent Fergus O’Neill, veteran Nathan Lyon, and Adam Zampa. Fans can also look forward to the explosive batting potential of Jake Fraser-McGurk, especially with the favorable short boundaries at Kardinia Park.
This season will also see young talent Oliver Peake making his debut with a full-time Big Bash contract, alongside spinner Callum Stow, who will return after a successful previous season.
On the other side, the Brisbane Heat have bolstered their squad by selecting renowned Pakistani speedster Shahid Afridi as their first pick in the draft. Afridi adds significant firepower to an already strong pace attack that includes Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and Michael Neser. Key batter Matt Renshaw is expected to play a pivotal role for the Heat.
The clash between the Renegades and Heat will commence at 7:15 PM on the 15th, followed by another home game against Hobart at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday, December 21. The excitement surrounding the return of the Big Bash League brings hope for a thrilling season ahead, as teams aim to secure their spot in the finals.