Big Bash League 2022-23: Liam Livingstone opts out as Melbourne Renegades suffer major blow

Prior to the 2022-23 Big Bash League (BBL), Melbourne Renegades suffered a major blow after Liam Livingstone pulled out of the tournament. Back in August, the Renegades picked Livingstone as their first player. As he was set to take part in the first half of the tournament before plying his trade in the SA20. “We’ve already secured Andre Russell for the first four matches and know the match-winning ability he will add to our team,” Rosengarten added.

However, he was later picked for England’s Test series against Pakistan in December. Earlier, the Renegades signed West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell on a four-game deal with the hope that Livingstone would come back. But that won’t be the case anymore. Livingstone became the second overseas player after all-rounder David Willey. Also pulled out of the upcoming T20 championship on Australian soil. The Renegades are scheduled to start their BBL campaign on December 15 against the Brisbane Heat at Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns.

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Liam Livingstone won’t be taking part in BBL 2022-23

“We’re obviously disappointed that we won’t have Liam as part of our team this summer, but we understand his decision.” Renegades general manager James Rosengarten, was quoted as saying. “Liam is a fantastic cricketer and there’s a reason we used our first pick in the draft to select him. Since then, his schedule has changed with added international duties. We wish him the best as he pushes for a Test debut. The Renegades finished at the bottom of the points table last season with wins in only three of their 14 matches in the league stage.

“We know Liam had been looking forward to working with our head coach, David Saker, and playing for our club. Hopefully, we can make that happen in the coming seasons,” he stated. “We have been in regular communication with Liam. His management over the last couple of months, which has allowed us to execute a plan that is best for the Renegades for this season.