Struggling Renegades keep spirits high

Melbourne Renegades skipper Aaron Finch is confident his team can still reach the BBL finals despite their stuttering start to the Twenty20 summer.

The Renegades are winless after two games following their 35-run loss to the Perth Scorchers on Friday night.

In reply to the Scorchers’ 3-192, the Renegades finished at 9-157 despite some monstrous blows at the death from Andre Russell (43 off 21 balls).

The Renegades will need to win at least four games – and possibly five – from their remaining six matches in order to reach the finals, and Finch is staying optimistic.

“We’re still positive we can do that,” Finch said ahead of Tuesday’s home clash with the Sydney Thunder.

“We have the ability, but I think we’re just one or two per cent off in a few facets of the game, which hurts you’re up against quality opposition.

“Winning five from six – I think there’s been a few other teams in the competition who have been in the same position in past years and ended up getting on a bit of a roll.

“When you get on a roll, you can find yourself winning quite a few in a row.”

The Scorchers had Michael Klinger to thank for their first win of the summer.

Klinger scored an unbeaten 105 off just 60 balls in a dominant 103-run stand with Marcus Harris.

With the Scorchers missing Simon Katich (retired), Craig Simmons (Strikers), Shaun Marsh (Test duties) and Mitch Marsh (hamstring) from last summer’s title-winning squad, Klinger will be heavily relied upon over the coming weeks.

The 34-year-old, who averaged 44.6 for the Strikers last summer, said he was up for the challenge.

“I love playing Twenty20 cricket,” Klinger said ahead of Monday’s clash with the Sydney Sixers at the SCG.

“I was lucky enough to be fairly successful with the Strikers the last three years and having pretty good seasons over in England.

“It’s a format I love playing and if people underrate you, then that’s probably a good thing.

“You can come out and get people by surprise.”

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