Martin Guptill signs new deal with Melbourne Renegades for BBL 12

The Melbourne Renegades have acquired Martin Guptill for the upcoming BBL season 2022-23. The top T20I run scorer for New Zealand, Guptill recently gave up his central contract to pursue league opportunities.

Renegades signed Guptill to replace No. 1 draft pick Liam Livingstone, who withdrew from the season after being unexpectedly named to the England Test squad for the Pakistan tour. Following Andre Russell's four-game stint at the start of the competition, he will join the Renegades and be available for the next ten league games, beginning on December 28 against the Sydney Sixers and the finals week should they make it.

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

"I've crossed paths with a few of the guys on the international circuit over the years 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.

Guptill had played only once in the BBL before this, for the Sydney Thunder, ten seasons ago.

"We're delighted to have a player of Martin's caliber 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."

The Renegades will kick off their season on December 15 in Cairns against the Brisbane Heat, and on December 18, they will host the Sydney Thunder at Marvel Stadium.