Matt Renshaw Re-signs With Brisbane Heat For BBL|08

Australia’s Test opener Matt Renshaw has re-signed with Big Bash League outfit Brisbane Heat. The left-handed batsman had made his Big Bash League debut with the franchise last summer.

Renshaw had played just one game last season. But despite not getting enough games under the belt, Renshaw credited his time with the side as a major benefit to his T20 game.

“I got to train alongside players like Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn. And see how they went about preparing themselves, and the type of skills they emphasised,” said Renshaw on Wednesday (July 11).

“It was a different training environment for me and an enjoyable change in terms of the batting skills required, which I had the chance to try out in Premier Cricket with my club Toombul in that window,” he added.

BREAKING: We've locked away @MattRenshaw449! ?
Details: https://t.co/5EFKu67qYY#TurnUpTheHeat #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/CnBbYhiGGf

— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) July 11, 2018

He is currently recuperating from an injury to the top joint of his left index finger – one that he suffered in the UK during his county stint with Somerset.

The 22-year old will be in action from next month when he travels to India with Australia A. The southpaw has been included in squads for both the one-day and four-day legs of the trip.

Meanwhile, Brisbane will miss the services of Pakistan star Shadab Khan for the upcoming season. The team had to terminate the leg-spinner’s contract due to his increased playing commitments with Pakistan. The team will now have to look for a second overseas signing to feature alongside captain Brendon McCullum.

According to reports, Brisbane could turn to another Pakistan wrist-spinner in Yasir Shah, who played seven games for the Heat as Shadab’s replacement last season. The likes of Morne Morkel, Ben Stokes, AB de Villiers, Jos Buttler and Sunil Narine could also be in contention.

Brisbane Heat BBL|08 squad (so far):

Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Sam Heazlett, Marnus Labuschagne, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (OS), James Pattinson, James Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson.