Finch is back for BIG SEMI-FINAL

Finch, the Renegades leading batsman in the KFC T20 Big Bash League this summer with 309 runs at an average of 77.25 and strike rate of 128.21, missed the final match of the home-and-away season after being drafted into the Australian one-day team.

Having been overlooked for national selection later this week, the powerful opener returns to skipper the Renegades during their must-win match against the Heat.

The 26-year-old is expected to partner boom English recruit Alex Hales at the top of the order, with Renegades coach Simon Helmot acutely aware that Australia’s loss is his gain.

“Aaron’s form with both the Victorian one-day side and the Melbourne Renegades shows his quality as a player and I’m sure he’ll be back in Australian colours in the near future,” Helmot said.

“In saying that, Aaron’s the heart and soul of this group and we’re more than happy to have his batting and leadership qualities back with us for our biggest match of the season.

“To have two devastating hitters in Aaron and Alex Hales at the top of the order is a pretty exciting proposition.”

Earlier today, the Renegades named a 13-man squad for tomorrow night’s clash with Finch and Brendan Drew replacing Fawad Ahmed and Michael Hill from the Sydney Sixers clash.

The Heat will welcome back star quick Ben Cutting after making his one-day international debut at the Adelaide Oval yesterday.

To pre-purchase tickets for tomorrow night’s Big Semi-Final, click here.

Melbourne Renegades:  Aaron Finch (c), Ben Rohrer, Peter Nevill, Daniel Harris, Brendan Drew, Alex Hales, Muthiah Muralidaran, Will Sheridan, Alex Doolan, Darren Pattinson, Aaron O’Brien, Tom Cooper and Nathan Rimmington.

Brisbane Heat: James Hopes (c), Alister McDermott, Nathan Hauritz, Dan Christian, Ben Cutting, Luke Pomersbach, Joe Burns, Chris Hartley, Peter Forrest, Chris Lynn, Chris Sabburg, Kemar Roach and Cameron Gannon.