Renegades start to show their age

OVER 30s

THE Melbourne Renegades will start the Big Bash season next week with one of the most-experienced squads in the competition’s history.

But the oldest Big Basher of them all, Brad Hogg, reckons it just might be the way to crash through for the franchise’s first trophy.

Hogg, 46, has signed up for another campaign, vowing not to let off-season knee surgery end his career.

“I would have liked to have played a little bit more grade cricket ... (but) I’m always feeling good. If I’m Brad Hogg (age 46), Brad Hodge (42), Cameron White (34), Dwayne Bravo (34), Mohammad Nabi (32), Aaron Finch (31), Tom Cooper (31), Keiron Pollard (30), Tim Ludeman (30), Jon Holland (30) complaining, Australia’s in trouble,” he said.

“I’ve got a bit of experience behind me so there’s no excuses. If I’m fit to play, I’m expected to deliver.”

With Hogg linking up with Brad Hodge, 42, the Renegades might wear the tag of Dad’s Army this summer. They’re joined by Cameron White, Dwayne Bravo — both 34 — and several others in their early 30s. Then there’s Will Sutherland who, at 18, is 28 years his junior. Hogg said there was a determined feel within the squad.

“We’ve got things to prove this year. We’ve got a really good list, an experienced list — a couple over 40 — but on paper, we’re good team,” he said.