Melbourne Renegades re-sign Dwayne Bravo, Aaron Finch for upcoming season of Big Bash league

Dwayne Bravo has been part of the Renegades’ squad since 2014

Melbourne Renegades on Monday announced the signing of star West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, while skipper Aaron Finch has penned a new long-term deal.

World T20 winner Bravo has signed a one-year deal with the franchise and, this will be his third consecutive season with the Renegades. Finch’s deal will end after season 8, two years from now. The signing of Bravo means that the Renegades now have two international players and are currently looking out for another to replace Chris Gayle who featured last season.

They are also in search of a new head coach as David Saker has taken up the Australian fast-bowling coach role last month. "Having Dwayne back is obviously fantastic," said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stuart Coventry to cricket.com.au. He continued saying, "He was a driving force for us last season and brings an enthusiasm and intensity about his play that is a really positive combination for the rest of the squad.”

Finch, the captain of the team, has a BBL strike rate of 133

Coventry also said the franchise is looking forward to the services of Finch for the next three seasons.“We’re delighted Aaron has agreed to extend his relationship with the club. As captain he is a critical part of our Renegades family and a big factor for our members and fans. His record in the BBL needs no introduction and we’re looking forward to the next three seasons,” he said.

It has been a busy off season for the Renegades as they have also lured in the likes of Chinaman bowler Brad Hogg and batsman Marcus Harris from the Perth Scorchers. The club has also signed a five-year deal to use the Etihad Stadium as their home ground. The Renegades are looking to make a strong comeback as they missed the finals for the fourth time in five seasons last time around.

In domestic Twenty20s Bravo has scored 5029 runs from 322 matches with a highest of 70 not out and picked up 339 wickets at an average of 24.23. In T20 internationals, in 61 outings Bravo has amassed 1054 runs and grabbed 49 wickets. Finch, on the other hand, has featured in 162 domestic T20 matches and has scored 4945 runs. He has also scored 974 runs from 28 Internationals. 

The Renegades kick start their home campaign against Sydney Thunders on December 22.