BIG HITTERS CAN BE COVERED

MELBOURNE Renegades coach Andrew McDonald is confident his side has the depth to cover the loss of its two most destructive batsmen.

Just hours after being named Aaron Finch’s replacement as captain, Cameron White has departed the Renegades for national duty after selectors could no longer ignore his vintage limited-overs form.

White’s call-up even caught Renegades’ coaches by surprise, forcing them into a swift meeting to work out how to reshape their side.

Tonight’s Big Bash League derby against the winless Melbourne Stars at Etihad Stadium will provide McDonald with a chance to find the right balance in his side as finals loom.

Wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman is an obvious candidate to open the batting in Finch’s absence, while veteran Brad Hodge may also be elevated up the order.

“We’ve got some good depth, we’ll have to structure up a bit differently but that’s the art of picking an 18-man squad,” McDonald said.

“You’re always going to be tested at this time, you’re always going to be at the mercy of national selections and that’s the art of picking that squad.

“The Stars are also missing a couple of players in (Adam) Zampa and (Marcus) Stoinis, so it’s probably a level playing field.

“It is a big game, they’re all big games in a 10-game tournament.”