Du Plessis joins Melbourne Renegades – Cricket News Update
Big Bash outfit, Melbourne Renegades, have signed South African Test saviour Faf du Plessis as their overseas signing for the season’s opener against rivals Melbourne Stars, which will be played on December 7.
Negotiations with the player had already begun earlier in the week, before both parties made a formal arrangement last night. The player however, will only be available for the team’s first game before being replaced by West Indian Marlon Samuels, who will join the franchise after completing his international assignments.
The South African batsman’s stock rose following the conclusion of the second Test against Australia, where he held nerves to guide his side to a thrilling draw. Apart from scoring 78 in the first innings, he batted the entire final day to finish on an unbeaten 110. He becomes the second Proteas Test member to play in the league after fellow teammate Dale Steyn opted to represent Brisbane Heat in the their opening match against Sydney Thunder. Steyn will fill the void left by Windies paceman Kemar Roach.
Renegades’ coach, Simon Helmot, was thrilled to have du Plessis on board. The player has already established himself as a renowned T20 player following his stint with Chennai Super Kings.
"Faf's one of the best fielders in world cricket and an explosive T20 batsman," Helmot said."He's shown he's a competitor and he had a good Champions League with Chennai. His batting and fielding are what we needed and he can bowl some handy leg-spin as well."
Despite taking the field for only one game, du Plessis could further feature for the franchise in the next edition of the Champions League if the team reaches the final of the upcoming Big Bash season.
His signing has further completed the Renegades squad, which includes other overseas players in Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan and Pakistani leg-spinner, Fawad Ahmed.
The team will be hoping to put in an improved show after they finished second from bottom in the first season.
Full squad:
Aaron Finch, Muttiah Muralidaran, Nathan Rimmington, Jayde Herrick, Will Sheridan, Meyrick Buchanan, Michael Hill, James Muirhead, Ben Rohrer, Peter Nevill, Aaron O'Brien, Dan Harris, Tom Cooper, Darren Pattinson, Brendan Drew, Marlon Samuels, Fawad Ahmed, Alex Doolan, Faf du Plessis.
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