NEW Renegades quick Chris Tremain has wasted little time in igniting the Big Bash League’s Melbourne cross-town rivalry, highlighting the Stars’ alarmingly bare trophy cabinet in the lead-up to BBL05.
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The Stars have long been crowned as one of the BBL’s glamour clubs, and have routinely signed some of the biggest names in world cricket including Kevin Pietersen and Shane Warne while also boasting the services of Glen Maxwell, James Faulkner and David Hussey, three of the best T20 players in the world.
But, as yet, the Stars are yet to turn such pedigree into any sort of silverware.
And, having signed with the red Melbourne BBL franchise this week, Tremain and his new Renegades teammates aren’t prepared to live in the Stars’ shadow anymore - with the likes of Aaron Finch, Cameron White and the kings of Calypso Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle set to fire at Etihad Stadium this summer.
“They’ve won as many grand finals as we have,” Tremain said, making the move from the Sydney Thunder.
“I think it’s a bit like the Sixers-Thunder rivalry in Sydney, some of the better players are drawn to playing at the SCG and it’s the same with the Stars and MCG.
“You need a bit of luck though, and we’re building a pretty handy squad here at the Renegades.”
Set to form a lethal bowling partnership with Australian quicks James Pattinson and Peter Siddle and BBL strike bowler Nathan Rimmington, Tremain says he’ll still have to work his way into the best XI - but it’s a challenge he’s looking forward to.
“Patto’s an unbelievable bowler,” Tremain said.
“They hand him the new rock and he charges in bowls fast, swings it and hits the deck hard. He’s so destructive on that Etihad deck.
“But the most important thing about bowling in the BBL is being able to adapt, and having the tools to do so. I think that’s something I’ve learnt.”
Tremain said the move to the Melbourne Renegades was a good opportunity to continue his work with Victorian head coach David Saker, and praised his former club for the way they handled the negotiation process.
“[Thunder boss] Nick Cummins and [captain] Mick Hussey were great to me. They didn’t want to lose me, but understood the opportunity I had in Melbourne,” Tremain said.
Tremain will be in action for the Renegades in their first game against a rejuvenated Brisbane Heat on December 19. The first Melbourne derby will be on January 2, while Tremain will return to Sydney to take on the Thunder on January 11.
CHRIS Tremain has confirmed he’s been approached to play in this year’s Regional Plan B Bash clash at Wade Park - but it wasn’t by the Central West Wranglers.
Born in Yeoval, near Dubbo, Tremain has been mooted as a possible inclusion in the Orana Outlaws ahead of the October 25 round one hit-out, but admits the logistics surrounding his availability could put a dampener on any shot at again playing at Wade Park.
“I’d love to, but scheduling may prevent it,” Tremain said.
“I’ve been talking to Tim Cox, and I’m not exactly sure if I can.”
Tremain will be in Perth the week leading into the October 25 game, then has country week commitments in Victoria on the Saturday prior.
His Sunday is free - meaning he could play in Orange - but there is a second XI Bushrangers game pitted for the week after the Wade Park encounter.
Additional travel to Orange in that mix will make things very difficult for the former Kinross quick.
“If I get the opportunity, though, I’ll jump at it with both hands,” he added.
