A FEW seasons around the bottom of the table has the Melbourne Renegades eager to climb the rankings in the upcoming Big Bash League fixture for season 2022/23.

The Renegades have finished bottom in the last two seasons, unable to get on a winning streak and claim more than four victories in a season over the course of the last 24 months. Despite boasting star opener Aaron Finch and plenty of talent on its list, Melbourne just has not been able to put it together.

However, with the new draft format giving them some handy additions to their list, the Renegades might be able to put more runs on the board in BBL|12.

Melbourne Renegades

2021/22 record – three wins, 10 losses

Coming off a 4-10 season in BBL|10, the story was quite similar last year, unable to put a strong performance both with bat and ball consistently over the course of the season. Whenever they excelled with one, the other would let them down.

Finch battled bravely to be the team’s leading run scorer with 386 for the season, while pace bowler Kane Richardson claimed the most scalps with the ball, finishing with 19 wickets. However, Melbourne could only muster up three wins, the first of which came in the opening round in a positive start for the team. However, just two more triumphs came for the rest of the season, as the ‘Gades finished the year with the same struggles they started it with.

The BBL announced the implementation of the first ever draft, and the Renegades were afforded the number one pick to sign some of the world’s best talent. English all-rounder Liam Livingstone was given the nod for the team’s platinum selection, after fine form and his ability to not only provide some heavy hitting with the bat, but also produce some relief as a spin bowler.

It seemed a terrific selection, until Livingstone pulled out earlier this week with his international duties being bumped up after a World Cup winning campaign. The team announced the signing of Andre Russell for the opening four rounds to replace him earlier in the month, but will now need to find a full time replacement.

The team also added Afghanistan right-armer Mujeeb ur Rahman and West Indies left-armer Akeal Hosein, both of whom will look to find wickets with finger spin.

The Renegades may not be expecting to win the title in 2022/23, but improvement is necessary if the team is to make the climb up the standings. With list changes still to come, watch this space.

BBL|12 Roster

Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Akeal Hosein (West Indies), Nic Maddinson (c), Shaun Marsh, Mujeeb ur Rahman (Afghanistan), Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Andre Russell, Jon Wells