Why is Andre Russell not playing today’s BBL 12 match between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades at the SCG?

Sydney Cricket Ground is hosting the 18th league match of the Big Bash League between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades. The Renegades won the bat flip, and they opted to bowl first on a beautiful Sydney wicket. Melbourne Renegades have made four changes in their playing 11.

Sydney Sixers gave an opportunity to Todd Murphy in this match, who is termed the next big thing in Australian cricket. The home side has won the last two matches, and they will aim to get a hattrick of wins.

Melbourne Renegades tasted their first defeat of the campaign in the last match, and they will be eager to make a comeback here. There have been a lot of changes in their eleven as some big players are making their return in this match.

Why is Andre Russell not playing today’s BBL 12 match

Melbourne Renegades made a lot of changes to their playing 11 in the match against Sydney Sixers at the SCG. Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb and Kane Richardson got their chances in the playing 11 in place of Sam Harper, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Andre Russell and David Moody.

It is the first match for Guptill, Handscomb and Marsh in BBL 12. Andre Russell’s absence can be surprising for some as he was having a decent BBL 12 campaign. He won the Man of the Match award against Brisbane Heat where he scored 57 runs in 42 balls.

power (noun):
1. exertion of physical strength and force,
2. Andre Russell.@KFCAustralia #BBL12 pic.twitter.com/T1ahHOOaHY

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 21, 2022

However, the fans must note that Russell just signed a contract for four matches with the Renegades, and he will not take any further part in the tournament. Russell was signed as a partial replacement player for England’s Liam Livingstone, and he will now play in the ILT20 League in UAE.

New Zealand’s opener Martin Guptill has replaced Russell in the side, and the right-handed Kiwi will stay with the team for the rest of the tournament.