Cricket's Big Bash League returns to Geelong

Summer is here! While that brings excitement to us all for a variety of reasons, it means one thing for us sport-obsessed Australians; Cricket is back!
In exciting news for local sporting nuts, the Melbourne Renegades are bringing the juggernaut that is the Twenty20 Big Bash League back to our doorstep. In a massive coup for the City of Greater Geelong on the back of last season’s record crowd for a non-AFL match at GMHBA Stadium, the Renegades are returning for not one, but TWO huge double-headers this January. And if that’s not enough for you, the Renegades will also be hosting their annual Family Day in Geelong this December too.
Can we go ahead and just start calling them the “Geelong Renegades”?
The Big Bash League (BBL) is a shortened version of cricket, where games usually last approximately three hours with each team having twenty overs to bat. This means entertainment right from the outset with inventive and big-hitting batting, quick and clever bowling, acrobatic and athletic catching and fielding, plus those moments that leave fans gasping on the edge of their seats.
The BBL is known for its excitement not only on the field, but also around the stadium entertaining the fans. This is where our Rock-n-Roll Renegades take this entertainment to the next level, as CEO Stuart Coventry explains: “We like to do things a little bit differently, particularly for our fans. At our games it’s an experience where you can watch the best freestyle MX riders on the planet do their thing while listening to the coolest music and watching the pyrotechnics go off.”
Even non-cricket fans are going to have a day out! For those of us with young families, the Renegades provide plenty for the kiddies too.
The first double-header on Thursday January 3 will have a Nickelodeon flavour, with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles making a special appearance. For the second double-header on Sunday January 13, fans are encouraged to dress up as their favourite animal for a Zoofari theme with plenty of prizes up for grabs.
As Stuart elaborates; “We have a distinct brand experience to generate fun and we’re excited that two of our most popular themed matches will be heading to Geelong this season.”
To get us all ready for the action in January, the Renegades host their annual Family Day at Geelong Cricket Ground on Sunday December 16. You’ll be able to meet all your favourite players while engorging on great food and enjoying giveaways. In addition to these off-field festivities, you’ll be able to watch the Women’s BBL side play against the Brisbane Heat in a WBBL fixture for FREE, whilst the Men’s side will line up for their final practice match before their season begins.
“We’re confident we’ll be able to deliver three spectacular events for Geelong,” states Stuart.
The Renegades certainly don’t disappoint with the quality of players in both Men’s and Women’s squads. This is headlined by current Australian T20 and ODI captain Aaron Finch to again captain his beloved Renegades. Finch, a local Colac lad and the current number two rated T20 batsman in the world, turned it on at GMHBA Stadium last January with a blistering half-century in the Renegades successful run-chase. He’ll be keen to entertain his home crowd yet again this January.
In addition to Finch, crowd favourite Afghan Mohammad Nabi returns while the Renegades are excited to announce the signing of Pakistani young fast bowler Usman Khan Shinwari, whose left-arm thunderbolts are sure to enthral the crowd and terrify the opposition. Dan Christian and Cameron White are sure to keep the Renegades run rates high, while Kane Richardson will look to form a highly rated fast bowling partnership with Shinwari. Also keep an eye on youngster Jack Wildermuth, who looks poised for a break-out BBL season.

Our world-beating Australian Women’s team just added yet another T20 World Cup to their collection after a dominating victory this past week in the final against the Poms. Two of the best bowlers in that Aussie team will be representing the Renegades this WBBL season in Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham. 2017 ICC ODI Player of the Year and Kiwi skipper Amy Satterthwaite captains the Renegades this season. The team is also thrilled to announce the signing of English opening batter Danni Wyatt to the squad, with her skill at the top of the order sure to boost the run scoring ability of the Renegades.
Adding to the local flavour across the Renegade’s squad, Men’s coach Andrew McDonald and Wicket-Keeper Tim Ludeman both call Geelong home.
The Melbourne Renegades offer tremendous value for memberships and have created a package especially for its Geelong fans. For $80, you get seats to both Geelong double-header matches (four games) plus General Admission entry to one game of your choice at Marvel Stadium in Docklands.
Simply call 1300 736 342 or visit getonred.com.au to sort out your membership, or for further information on all three event days in Geelong.
It’s time to #GetOnRed and support your Melbourne Renegades this summer!
Renegades in Geelong
Family Day – Sunday December 16 at Geelong Cricket Ground from 10am
Double Header Game 1 – Thursday January 3 at GMHBA Stadium
Women’s: Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes from 2:50pm
Men’s: Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers from 7:15pm
Double Header Game 2 – Sunday January 13 at GMHBA Stadium
Women’s: Renegades vs Sydney Sixers from 2:50pm
Men’s: Renegades vs Brisbane Heat from 6:35pm
Written by Troy Perry