Renegades sign pace pair

Melbourne Renegades have completed their KFC BBL|08 playing roster with the signing of international bowlers Usman Khan Shinwari and Harry Gurney.

Shinwari is a 24-year-old left arm quick from Pakistan who has played at ODI and T20I level, including last month's T20I series against Australia. He will play the first seven matches of the season before Gurney arrives to replace him.

Gurney, 32, is also a left-arm seam bowler who played ODI and T20I cricket for England and currently plays for Nottinghamshire.

"I have watched the Big Bash with interest in recent years and I've been impressed with the quality of the competition," Shinwari said.

"I'm hoping I can bring something different to the team with my bowling and help the Renegades push for success."

Gurney made his England debut in 2014 and has played 12 matches for his country. He also played alongside fellow Renegades recruit Dan Christian last winter.

"Dan spoke very positively about the competition so to get an opportunity to come and play with the Renegades is something I'm really grateful for," Gurney said.

"I've had a fair bit of experience in T20 cricket in England so I'm really excited to test myself in Australian conditions.

"I have admired the BBL from afar for a few years and am thrilled to get an opportunity to play in the comp.

"There is plenty of talent in the Renegades squad so hopefully I can come in and play my role for the team and help us have a strong season."

Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said the signings of Gurney and Shinwari balances out the playing list.

"We wanted to add in a left-arm seam option to provide some added variation to our attack and Harry and Usman will certainly provide that," McDonald said.

"They'll complement our bowling unit really well and give us plenty of options throughout the innings.

"In the last few months we've been able to add in some established Big Bash players in Dan Christian and Cameron Boyce, some exciting international talent and some really promising young players.

"We've also been able to retain the bulk of last season's squad so competition for spots in the final XI will be fierce."

Renegades BBL|08 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Tom Cooper, Zak Evans, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Jon Holland, Usman Khan Shinwari, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Mohammad Nabi, Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Chris Tremain, Beau Webster, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth.

In: Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Zak Evans, Mackenzie Harvey, Usman Khan Shinwari*, Will Sutherland

Out: Brad Hodge (retired), Matt Short (Strikers), Brad Hogg, Guy Walker (AFL), Dwayne Bravo, James Pattinson (Heat)

*Harry Gurney replaces Usman Khan Shinwari for second half of tournament