BBL Fantasy preview: Melbourne Renegades

Squad:  Aaron Finch (c), Dwayne Bravo (WI), Tom Cooper, Marcus Harris, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Jon Holland, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Mohammad Nabi (AFG), James Pattinson, Kieron Pollard (WI - international replacement), Kane Richardson, Matt Short, Will Sutherland (rookie), Chris Tremain, Guy Walker, Beau Webster, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth.

Ins: Tim Ludeman, Kane Richardson, Jack Wildermuth, Brad Hodge, Jon Holland, Joe Mennie, Mohammad Nabi, Will Sutherland (rookie), Beau Webster.

Outs: Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, Callum Ferguson, Matthew Wade, Sunil Narine.

Master blaster: It's a question BBL fantasy enthusiasts grapple with each year; do I pick Aaron Finch ($113,000) even though he'll miss games due to national duties? The answer, if you're willing to burn a trade mid-tournament, is a resounding yes from our point of view. The most bankable of Big Bash blasters, Finch played all eight games for the Renegades last year (finishing just two runs off the tournament's leading run-scorer Ben Dunk) after losing his spot in Australia's one-day side. The opener is likely to be back in green and gold this summer for the back-end of the BBL but don't let that deter you.

Strike weapon: After crossing from Adelaide Strikers on a bumper five-year deal, fast bowler Kane Richardson ($71,400) is a big recruit for a side that will need some fast-bowling firepower in James Pattinson's absence. The pacey Richardson played just two games for the Strikers last summer due to injury, reflected in his very reasonable price for this season. He's established a reputation as one of the country's better death bowlers., meaning there's an element of risk in picking Richardson given he's likely to be thrown the ball at the toughest times in an innings. The flip side is those periods can provide more wicket taking opportunities and with a strong body of bowling experience in the BBL, the Indian Premier League as well with Australia's limited-overs sides, Richardson looks a smart pick-up.

Young gun: No longer an unknown on the domestic scene, another Renegades recruit in Jack Wildermuth ($62,500) looks set for a breakout campaign. In his maiden BBL season with Brisbane Heat last summer, the allrounder collected nine wickets and finished with a strike-rate north of 140 batting down the order. The Queenslander's returns in the longer formats have gotten better and better since stepping into the sizable shoes of former Bulls and Heat skipper James Hopes, and if he's given some extra responsibility with the 'Gades this season, don’t hesitate to snap up the 24-year-old.

Overseas impact: The ability of Dwayne Bravo ($91,200) to contribute in all facets gets him the nod here. Fit and firing again after suffering a tournament-ending injury last summer, Bravo is T20 cricket's all-time leading wicket-taker, a blistering batsman and a terrific fielder. Plus his wicket celebrations are top notch (no fantasy points allocated for this, unfortunately) so pick him and enjoy the show!

Surprise packet: With Matthew Wade and Peter Nevill both departing over the off-season, Tim Ludeman ($46,400) looks set to be handed the gloves and could be an astute pick-up. A dynamic opener as well as one of the better pure keepers in the country, Ludeman had a terrific BBL|05 for the Strikers but found himself out of favour last summer, playing just three games. While he might find it difficult to resume his favoured opening position with Finch and Marcus Harris likely to feature at the top of the order, Ludeman's very reasonable price tag and proven BBL experience makes him a strong option to stand behind the pegs in your fantasy side.

Fantasy bargain: Need a Test spinner and one of the country's standout domestic performers at a bargain-basement price? Look no further than Jon Holland ($30,000), who is so cheap that you might get charged with theft if you pick him. While he missed last year's tournament through injury, the left-armer collected 50 Sheffield Shield wickets and has looked in equally ominous form this season. Donning Renegades red for the first time this summer, Holland represents outstanding value.