Last hurrah: Khawaja, Labuschagne help Heat stay alive in BBL finals before Test squad departure
Usman Khawaja will head to India full of confidence after helping Brisbane Heat past Melbourne Renegades by seven wickets in their BBL knockout final…
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Long-time skipper Aaron Finch has handed over the Melbourne Renegades’ captaincy to new recruit Nic Maddinson, as the BBL outfit seeks a return to title contention this summer.
Finch was in the role for nine seasons after taking over from inaugural captain Andrew McDonald and led the Renegades to their only BBL title in 2018-19.
But after guiding Australia to their first T20 World Cup triumph, Finch feels the time is right to pass the Renegades leadership to former Melbourne Stars batter Maddinson.
“One thing I’ve learnt over the time is you always need that injection of new talent in the leaders,” Finch said.
“Maddo has captained at first class and BBL level many times before and I’m very supportive of him getting this opportunity.
“Out in the field, we’ll all be out there to help and support him and ultimately aim for success in BBL 11.”
Left-handed batter Maddinson has signed a three-year deal with the Renegades.
The 29-year-old will be supported by senior players Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson and Finch, who is still contracted to the Renegades for the next two seasons.
“It’s a huge honour and a challenge I’m really looking forward to,” Maddinson said of the captaincy.
“It’s a great group of players with some young guys mixed in with experienced players.
“Taking over from someone like Finchy is a huge task but having him around to help out and be that experienced head will be a great plus for me.
“I hope the fans can get behind me.”
The Renegades have finished eighth in both seasons since their title breakthrough, but Maddinson expects a revitalised squad to challenge for silverware this summer.
“I just want to encourage our players to be themselves and we’ll aim to create a style of play that’s entertaining to watch,” he said.
“We need to aim high and aim for the top.”
>> Check out the full BBL11 fixture
© AAP