In-form Ludeman set for Bash
The Melbourne Renegades may have landed the bargain of the Big Bash with the side set to roll out one of the most dangerous opening combinations in this year’s competition tonight.
After being axed from the Adelaide Strikers last summer, Tim Ludeman was thrown a lifeline by Renegades coach Andrew McDonald for this year’s tournament.
The trade of Matthew Wade to tonight’s opponent Hobart opened the door for the 30-year-old to take the gloves, but some impressive lead-in form with the bat has him primed to join captain Aaron Finch at the top of the order at Blundstone Arena.
In five seasons with the Strikers, Ludeman proved to be a clean-hitting striker and he hasn’t missed a beat with his new outfit, blasting 97 not out in an intraclub match two weeks ago, days after cracking 48 against the Melbourne Stars.
It has him in pole position to partner the world class Finch against the Hurricanes, but the man himself is not sure exactly where he will slot into the order, with Marcus Harris opening at times last season.
“The wicketkeeper is always adaptable to bat at the top or bat down the order … I think I have those bases covered,” said Ludeman, who scored 846 runs for the Strikers with a strike rate of 123.8 in 37 matches.
“Wherever I am needed by the team I will play.
“I would love to open up with Finchy, he is such a class player and hits the ball very hard, it would be good fun but we will have to wait and see.”
The Renegades enter the BBL tipped to be one of the title favourites, boasting a deep batting line-up that includes Cameron White, former Strikers captain Brad Hodge and West Indian import Dwayne Bravo.
Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has also signed as a replacement for Sunil Narine, who withdrew from the tournament for personal reasons.