Melbourne Renegades acquire service of T20 veteran Brad Hodge for BBL 7

Former Adelaide Strikers captain Brad Hodge is set to make a homecoming after he signed with Victoria-based club Melbourne Renegades for BBL 7. The T20 veteran, who was an inaugural member of the Renegades back in BBL 1 looks extremely upbeat with the move. Hodge had earlier indicated to hang up his boots after BBL 6 but decided to go around again after smashing 281 runs at a healthy strike rate of 130 for the Strikers.

The 42-year-old all-rounder is widely regarded as one of the best tactical minds in the shortened format and has amassed 7,338 runs ever since his foray in the format in 2003. Hodge’s return to the Renegades will see the veteran feature in a record 25th season of professional cricket in Australia.

Lauding the veteran cricketer, Renegades head coach Andrew McDonald said, “Hodgey is one of the best T20 players the game has seen so to land him is a really big boost for the team. His contribution will extend well beyond runs on the scoreboard. He’ll be an important sounding board for our leaders and will be able to provide some great insight for our younger squad members.

The Renegades have also successfully acquired the services of Victorian spinner Jon Holland and South Australian paceman Joe Mennie to round out their squad for the seventh edition of the BBL. Holland was also a member of the Strikers squad last season but missed the campaign through injury. Mennie, on the other hand, has enjoyed successful stints in Perth, Hobart, and Sydney and will bring in a lot of experience into the team.

The Victoria-based franchise gets their BBL season underway on December 21 against the Hobart Hurricanes. The side’s first home match is against Brisbane Heat on December 23 at Etihad Stadium.

Melbourne Renegades current squad:

Aaron Finch (Capt.), Dwayne Bravo, Tom Cooper, Marcus Harris, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Jon Holland, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Sunil Narine, James Pattinson, Kane Richardson, Matt Short, Chris Tremain, Matthew Wade, Guy Walker, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth.