Renegades secure promising young trio

Melbourne Renegades have secured three of Victoria's brightest young talents as the club begins its off-season recruitment.

Allrounder Will Sutherland, batsman Mackenzie Harvey and fast bowler Zak Evans have all signed with the Renegades for the next three BBL seasons.

The trio have all represented Australia at Under 19 level.

"These guys are among the best young cricketers in the country so to have them locked in for the next three seasons is a great result," said Renegades coach Andrew McDonald said.

"It's a great injection of youth which broadens our depth.

"Will and Mackenzie had a taste of the Renegades environment last season, so they'll know what to expect and will be a lot more comfortable.

"Zak is a really impressive young paceman who will learn plenty from working alongside guys like Kane Richardson and Chris Tremain who have played at international level.

"We want to continue to build our winning culture and these guys are going to be a big part of establishing that over the next few years."

Sutherland, 18, was a rookie-listed player with the Renegades at the start of BBL|07, but was elevated to the senior squad during the tournament.

"I really learnt a lot from being around the group last season and spending time with some really experienced players and coaches," he said.

"The aim now is to establish myself as a genuine allrounder and hopefully break into the side but I know that won't be easy given the talent we've got on the list.

"I'm ready to work hard and fight for a spot and hopefully be a part of some more Renegades finals campaigns."

Evans, 18, took 2-26 from nine overs to help Australia advance to the U19 World Cup final with a win over Afghanistan earlier this year.

Evans is also a talented footballer but said cricket has always been number one.

"I've always enjoyed cricket and the camaraderie that comes with it just a little bit more," he said.

"Footy has always been the sport that keeps me fit for cricket and now I'm really excited to have the opportunity with the Melbourne Renegades.

"Being around a really accomplished fast-bowling unit is only going to help my game and I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can from them."

Harvey, 17, joined the Renegades squad last season as a replacement player when Aaron Finch was named in the Australian one-day and T20 squads.

"It was a great experience and a real eye opener just being around the group last season," he said.

"I'm just going to make sure I continue to work hard and prepare as well as I can so that I'm ready when the opportunity comes to hopefully make my debut for the Renegades."