Sam Elliott and Callum Stow return to Melbourne Renegades for 2026-27 BBL

Sam Elliott and Callum Stow have re-signed with the Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming Big Bash League season. The two players were part of the Renegades setup in the previous season and will continue with the club into the next edition of the Big Bash League.

Elliott's return is notable given his progression at the club. He earned his first full-time BBL contract after spending two seasons as a local replacement player, a path that reflects his consistent performances at the domestic level. His standout moment came against the Perth Scorchers, where he returned figures of 4-28, one of the more impressive individual bowling performances of that campaign.

Stow is a left-arm wrist spinner who adds variety to the Renegades' bowling attack. He has also attracted interest from franchise cricket outside Australia, having been signed by the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket.

What did Elliott contribute in BBL|15?

Elliott's most significant contribution last season was his 4-28 against the Scorchers, a performance that underlined his ability to take wickets in pressure situations. He finished the season with five wickets in total across the tournament, with those figures against the Scorchers standing as his best return of the campaign.

His performances were not limited to the BBL alone. Elliott also finished as equal second-highest wicket-taker in the Darwin Top End tournament, further demonstrating his form heading into the current tournament cycle. His journey from local replacement player to a full-time contracted cricketer at the Renegades reflects the progress he has made over recent seasons.

What is the bowling context for the Renegades in BBL|16?

The Renegades face some uncertainty in their spin bowling department ahead of the season. Adam Zampa's departure from the club is looming, while Nathan Lyon is out of contract and is considered unlikely to feature given Australia's busy international schedule over the coming summer.

Against that backdrop, the retention of Stow as a left-arm wrist spinner takes on added relevance for the club's planning. Elliott's re-signing also strengthens the pace bowling options available to the Renegades. The club used Michael Archer as a local replacement player for the final match of the previous season against the Adelaide Strikers, which points to the squad management challenges the Renegades navigated during that season.