Stars, Renegades ready for Geelong clash

Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades will fine-tune for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season when they meet in a warm-up fixture at Simonds Stadium next Friday during the inaugural 'Geelong Carnival of Cricket'.

The two BBL clubs, who have already established a fierce rivalry as they enter their fifth season of the competition, will feature in the ‘Summer Smash’ exhibition match, a week out from the tournament proper getting underway.

Australian limited-overs stars Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell are both possible inclusions as cricket goes under lights at Simonds Stadium for the first time.

"It’s fantastic news that Simonds Stadium is attracting some great cricket matches this summer," Renegades captain Finch said when the fixture was announced.

"It’ll be great to lead the Renegades onto the ground against the Stars and being a local, I’m hoping to see many Geelong cricket fans fill the stands.”

The touring West Indies side will also play at Simonds Stadium in a two-day fixture against a Victorian Invitational XI in the 'Calypso on Corio' clash to be held on December 19-20.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland said the matches were a boost for Geelong, but also important preparation for all sides.

"We think this is a real win for cricket fans in Geelong,” Sutherland said. 

"Staging cricket under lights at the redeveloped Simonds Stadium is a really exciting prospect for our game as it gives us the chance to showcase the excitement of the BBL to audiences outside Melbourne."

Tickets for the Big Bash game at Simonds are now on sale via ticketek.com.au, with prices starting from $15 for adults and $5 for children.

Tickets for the West Indies tour match will be available at the gate.