Big Bash League 2019-20: Melbourne Renegades announce international signings

Big Bash League 2019-20 is less than two weeks away from getting kicked off and all the teams are busy filling the voids in the respective departments. And, now Melbourne Renegades, the defending champions have announced two big signings ahead of the tournament. They have roped in Pakistan pacer Usman Shinwari and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who will be the part of the team in the first half of the T20 league.

This will be the second successive season for Usman Shinwari for Melbourne Renegades. In the previous season, he impressed everyone with his pace and grabbed 8 wickets in seven games at a brilliant economy of 6.14. He also clocked the speed of 151km/hr which was the fastest delivery bowled by any bowler in the last season of BBL.

On the other hand, Faheem Ashraf hogged the spotlight from Pakistan Super League 2019 where he emerged as the second leading wicket-taker in the T20 tournament. He will be acid for Renegades because he can perform well with the bat as well.

Shinwari will only play the first five games before Harry Gurney, England pacer will replace him for the rest of Big Bash League 2019-20. On the other hand, Ashraf will play eight games before getting replaced by Mohammad Nabi.

Michael Klinger is happy to have Mohammad Nabi and Harry Gurney with the team 

After the latest announcement, Michael Klinger, the newly appointed coach of Melbourne Renegades said that he is happy to see how the team is shaping for the upcoming tournament. He also added that it is good to have Nabi and Gurney on the board in the second and important part of the league. However, he also feels that after winning the title, there will be a tough competition between the players to get into the playing XI. 

“I’m pleased with how we’re shaping up. Mohammad Nabi and Harry Gurney showed their class last season so we’re glad to have them on board for the second half of the home and away season and hopefully finals. After winning a title, the competition for spots in the XI is going to be fierce and we feel we’ve got plenty of options to cover the challenges that we’ll be confronted with throughout the season.” Michael Linger said as quoted by Melbourne Renegades.