Andre Russell, the 31-year-old West Indies all-rounder, would not be playing in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). To fill one of the clubs’ import slots in the T20 tournament, the Jamaican was in discussion with the Melbourne Renegades. It has now been learned that the parties were unable to reach a commercial agreement for his services.
The Renegades, who are led by Aaron Finch, are the defending champions and Russell’s involvement would have strengthened their lineup both from the batting and bowling point of view. Previously, he represented the Renegades five years ago. In 2016-17, he played for the Sydney Thunder and, therefore, the Australian crowd is pretty aware of his impact.
Andre Russell ready to play the BPL
According to reports in the Age, Russell will now ply his craft in the 2019-20 edition of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which is slated to get underway on December 11. In the T20I extravaganza, Russell will play for Rajshahi Royals. As far as the Renegades are concerned, they have Afghanistani Mohammad Nabi and Englishman Harry Gurney.
Both Nabi and Gurney played key roles in the Renegades triumph last time around. The franchise has also got hold of Shaun Marsh as an off-season enlist. The left-handed Marsh has played for the Perth Scorchers. Michael Klinger, who earlier retired from BBL cricket this year, has been roped in as the Renegades coach.
Cricket Australia (CA) has been trying to bring in more overseas players after the average crowd fell by 6000 during last season. Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers will turn out for the Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat, respectively. Steve Smith will feature in the Sydney Sixers’ jersey. The Renegades opening match is against the Thunders in Geelong on December 19 at the Simonds Ground.
After their successful run, there would be more expectations from Aaron Finch and the Renegades. In 2018, they beat the Melbourne Stars to lift the trophy for the first time. They won the finals by 13 runs. The victory came after the Stars batting fell apart from 93 for no loss to 112 for seven in 29 balls.
