Australia’s one-day stars will be available on Saturday night for the KFC BBL Melbourne Derby at Marvel Stadium.
With the three games of the Gillette ODI series against India, which ended on Friday at the MCG, the Melbourne Renegades have confirmed that they welcome the skipper Aaron Finch as a welcome boost for their racket series.
Captain Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa could also perform for Melbourne Stars.
While it is not yet finalized how many national representatives will play, the clash between fierce rivals is expected to benefit from additional starpower.
The derby plays a crucial role. The Renegades are in fifth place with a 4: 4 win-loss record and the stars in last place with 3-5.
The stars have lost their last three games while the Renegades were hammered by Brisbane Heat in Geelong on Sunday.
“I hope they are available, I know they all want to play,” said stars skipper Nic Maddinson after defeat Monday night against tournament favorites Hobart Hurricanes.
“I know when they left, they wanted to return immediately after the one-day game for the next game, but it obviously depends on this team and by whom.
“When we talk to them the last few days, they all want to come back here and play for us.”
Finch and Handscomb were part of the Australian squad for the Domain Test series against India, but were overlooked for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, which begins on January 24 in Gabba, Brisbane.
Both impressed in their so far only appearances at BBL | 08, with Finch making 42 against the Hurricanes on January 7, and Handscomb defeating Sydney Sixers on Matchday 70 on December 27.
All-rounder Stoinis scored an unbeaten 78th position at the head of the command to lead his team to a seven wick victory as the two Melbourne teams met last on New Year’s Day. Maxwell has in BBL | Not half a century behind, but a constant performer, while Zampa has five goals from as many games.
