Martin Guptill replaces Livingstone at Melbourne Renegades

After losing No. 1 draft pick Liam Livingstone’s services, Melbourne Renegades have signed Martin Guptill as the replacement pick for the upcoming season of the Big Bash League. Guptill’s decision has come in the aftermath of deciding against taking a national contract in order to pursue league opportunities. 

"I'm excited to be joining the Renegades and am looking forward to being part of the Big Bash this season. This is a new challenge for me and it will be nice to call Melbourne home for the summer. I'll be trying to make as many runs as I can to help drive the Renegades back up the ladder and push for team success.

"I've crossed paths with a few of the guys over the years on the international circuit and know this will be a great team environment to be part of. I can't wait to join up with the team after Christmas and play in front of plenty of Renegades fans at Marvel Stadium and in Geelong," he added.

With Andre Russell playing the first four games for the Renegades, the time frame in which Liam Livingstone was supposed to be away on national duty before announcing his decision to pull out altogether, Guptill will be available for the following 10 leagues matches, starting December 28 against Sydney Sixers. 

"We're delighted to have a player of Martin's calibre joining the Renegades and we're excited that he has chosen to play for our club," Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten said.

"Martin's record over a long period of time in the shortest form of the game for New Zealand and in domestic competitions around the world speaks for itself. We know Martin will add a wealth of experience and knowledge to our playing group and look forward to seeing what he can produce in red.

"Signing Martin and Andre over the past month has been a great outcome for our club. With Andre playing the first four matches and Martin joining us from there, we now have a world-class player available for the duration of the tournament which will help give us every chance of success in BBL|12."

Melbourne Renegades’ first game of the season begins on December 15 against Brisbane Heat in Cairns.