Melbourne Renegades have continued to strengthen their squad, securing the signature of South Australian all-rounder Ben Manenti ahead of BBL|16.
Renegades sign in-form all-rounder Ben Manenti
Manenti joins from the Sydney Sixers following strong performances in the off-season for Italy in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the European T20 Premier League.
The announcement comes after Manenti also brought up his maiden first-class century and follows a standout 12 months that has firmly established him as one of Australian domestic cricket's most consistent performers.
Internationally, Manenti was part of the Italy squad that played in its first T20 World Cup in February. Against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, he smashed 60 off 25 balls, including six sixes and four fours.
Manenti has signed a two-year deal, committing to the club through to the end of BBL|17, joining Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ollie Peake and Will Sutherland as players locked in beyond this season.
Melbourne Renegades Head Coach Luke Ronchi said Manenti's versatility and recent form made him a natural fit for the squad.
"We're really excited to welcome Ben to the Melbourne Renegades."
"He's coming off an outstanding period of cricket and he's a highly competitive player who offers genuine flexibility with both bat and ball, and just as importantly he's the type of character we want in our environment."
Tickets for Renegades matches are on sale now, with new Red October specials every week for fans who purchase this month.
Melbourne Renegades BBL|16 Squad
Head Coach: Luke Ronchi
Contracted for BBL|16Michael Archer (contracted until BBL|16), Jonny Bairstow (BBL|16), Jason Behrendorff (BBL|17), Michael Bracewell (BBL|16), Josh Brown (BBL|17), Harry Dixon (BBL|16), Brendan Doggett (BBL|16), Sam Elliott (BBL|16), Jake Fraser-McGurk (BBL|17), Caleb Jewell (BBL|16), Ben Manenti (BBL|17), Ollie Peake (BBL|17), Tom Rogers (BBL|16), Callum Stow (BBL|16), Will Sutherland (BBL|17)
UncontractedHassan Khan (Pakistan), Muhammad Rizwan (Pakistan), Nathan Lyon, Will Salzmann, Gurinder Sandhu, Matthew Spoors
InMichael Archer, Jonny Bairstow (England), Michael Bracewell (New Zealand), Ben Manenti
OutFergus O'Neill (Sydney Sixers), Tim Seifert (Sydney Sixers), Andrew Tye (retired), Adam Zampa (Hobart Hurricanes)