Martin Guptill joins Melbourne Renegades for BBL 12

New Zealand's veteran opening batter Martin Guptill will be seen in action in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) after signing for the Melbourne Renegades. The Kiwi batter had turned down a central contract from New Zealand Cricket earlier this week to focus on global domestic competitions.

The leading run-scorer for the Blackcaps in T20Is, Guptill has been roped in by the Melbourne-based franchise after the withdrawal of no.1 draft pick Liam Livingstone. The dashing batter will be available for ten league matches following Andre Russell's four-game stint at the beginning of the tournament.

Guptill expressed excitement about his association with the Renegades and is looking forward to the upcoming edition of Australia's premier domestic competition. His only appearance in the competition came for Sydney Thunder ten seasons ago.

"I'm excited to be joining the Renegades and am looking forward to being part of the Big Bash this season. This is a new challenge for me and it will be nice to call Melbourne home for the summer. I'll be trying to make as many runs as I can to help drive the Renegades back up the ladder and push for team success," Guptill was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

James Rosengarten, General Manager of Melbourne Renegades, also expressed his delight after snaffling a top international talent like Martin Guptill for the upcoming edition of the BBL. He highlighted Guptill's exceptional exploits in the shortest format of the game for the national team and hopes for a similar impact in the red of Renegades.

"We're delighted to have a player of Martin's caliber joining the Renegades and we're excited that he has chosen to play for our club. Martin's record over a long period in the shortest form of the game for New Zealand and domestic competitions around the world speaks for itself. We know Martin will add a wealth of experience and knowledge to our playing group, and look forward to seeing what he can produce in red," Melbourne Renegades General Manager said.