Edwards bags BBL deal

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards has earned his first call up in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Edwards joins Melbourne Renegades as a replacement wicketkeeper-batter for the departing Quinton de Kock and injured Joe Clarke.

An Australian-Dutch dual citizen, Edwards qualifies as a domestic player for the BBL, as well as Cricket Australia’s other competitions. However, this is the first time Edwards has been signed to professional cricket in the country, despite pedigree in both international cricket and Australian grade cricket.

The Dutch skipper raised his profile during the ODI World Cup, as a batter, wicketkeeper, and captain. The 27-year-old also added 259 runs at an average of 37, and fifteen dismissals across his nine-game tournament. Anchoring the Dutch middle order, Edwards earned praise both for his counter-attacking batting, but also his creative field settings and attacking use of his bowlers, which were key in the Netherlands’ wins over South Africa and Bangladesh.

Edwards will link up with the Renegades squad for the final two games of the season, having also trialled with the team before the season. It means the Dutch skipper will cut short his nation’s tour of South Africa, in which the team are playing a series of T20s against South Africa franchise sides.

Melbourne Renegades have suffered a difficult season in the BBL. After eight of their ten games, Renegades have only one win and six defeats, and cannot qualify for the finals.

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