Renegades lure West Indian for Big Bash

Melbourne Renegades have bolstered their batting stocks by signing West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels for the upcoming Big Bash League.

Samuels was one of the stars of the Windies’ recent victory at the World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka and was named man-of-the-match in the final for his brilliant innings of 78.

"Marlon is a hard-hitting, genuine number three batsman who is an entertainer in every sense of the word," said Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry.

"He seems to fly under the radar when it comes to receiving credit as an all-rounder, but his broad skill-set was one of the main reasons we brought him on board – he’s no one-trick pony. Only a few weeks back we saw the West Indies’ faith in his bowling pay off when they handed him the ball in the ‘super over’ against New Zealand and he picked up a wicket to help win the match.

"He's the perfect all-round package – he bats, he bowls and he’s a phenomenal fieldsman."

Samuels joins legendary spinner Muttiah Muraliatharan as the Renegades’ two international signings.

The Renegades will open the tournament with a local derby against the Melbourne Stars at Etihad Stadium on December 7.