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Finch puts pressure on Renegades' batsmen

3 minute read

Aaron Finch knows the Melbourne Renegades' faltering batting line-up needs to lift for the team to be any chance of defending their Big Bash League title.

AARON FINCH of Australia at The Gabba in Australia.
AARON FINCH of Australia at The Gabba in Australia. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Aaron Finch has put the onus on himself and veteran Shaun Marsh to kickstart the Melbourne Renegades' struggling Big Bash League title defence.

After last season's maiden title win, the reigning champions are winless and anchored to the bottom of the table.

Captain Finch said the Renegades' batting line-up had to convert solid starts in order to defeat the Adelaide Strikers at Marvel Stadium on Sunday night.

"There's a couple of senior batters, myself included, that haven't gone on with them scores which has left us 15-20 runs (short)," Finch said on Saturday.

"Myself and Shaun (Marsh), especially in the top-three, probably expect a lot more out of ourself in terms of match-winning scores after you get a good start.

"(Scores of) 30s and 40s, they put you in the hunt, but they don't ice the game and put it to bed."

But Finch is hoping a return to their Docklands home, where the Renegades won a memorable 2018-19 decider, would result in a reversal of form.

They also play their next five games in Victoria, including two Melbourne derbies against the Stars.

"A lot of guys have got great memories of the last time we played here so it'll be great to be back in front of our home fans," he said.

But avoiding a fourth-straight defeat will be no easy task against the Strikers, who are undefeated and sit second on the table.

Adelaide held off a fast-finishing Melbourne Stars at Metricon Stadium on Friday night, while the Renegades' last match was a disappointing defeat to Hobart on Tuesday.

Finch said the Strikers carried depth right through their XI, singling out opening batsman Jake Weatherald and wicketkeeper Alex Carey in the middle order.

They also boasted a formidable bowling attack through fast bowlers Harry Conway, Billy Stanlake and spinner Rashid Khan.

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