By Laurence Rosen
Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch says James Pattinson is "a little bit flat" to be missing the season-opener on Thursday night.
The Renegades face off against reigning Big Bash League champions Sydney Thunder at Etihad Stadium in an early-season test of their title credentials.
Renegades captain Aaron Finch: Wary of BBL champions Sydney Thunder.Credit: Getty Images
While new signings Marcus Harris and Brad Hogg have been named in the 13-man squad, Pattinson will miss with a small hamstring strain.
Pattinson hasn't played top level cricket since Australia's tour of New Zealand in February and Finch said he was disappointed to lose the spearhead.
"[Pattinson] was looking primed for this tournament," Finch said on Wednesday afternoon.
"It's a small setback in the context of his career and it won't mean much.
"I think it's in the best interests for him, and for Australian cricket, to make sure we treat him with a bit of care.
"For the sake of a couple of weeks in the long run, it's not the end of the world."
Finch said he was confident his side could cover Pattinson's absence as they look to bag their maiden BBL title.
"There are a lot of attacking weapons in our line-up," Finch said.
"We've got guys who can spin it, guys who can swing it and bowl fast, so we are looking forward to [seeing] the 11 who take the field [on Thursday] hopefully getting the job done."
Etihad Stadium will host cricket for the sixth consecutive year and while the drop-in pitch has come under fire in the past, Finch said he was unsure how it would play on Thursday.
"There can always be a few nervous moments with a drop-in," the power batter said.
"Year by year they seem to be getting better with the way they are preparing them, so we are confident it will be a really good wicket."
Sydney Thunder opened the season with a nine-wicket loss to cross-town rivals Sydney Sixers on Tuesday night, but Finch said he was still wary of the premiers.
"They showed some glimpses of what won them the title," he said.
"They got off to a flyer with the bat, but the Sixers were able to restrict them through that middle part of the innings.
"We're confident going into [the match], but know they've got a lot of good players, so we are going to have to be right on top of our game."
While the Renegades lost controversial batsman Chris Gayle and spinner Nathan Hauritz in the off-season, coach and former Australian all-rounder Andrew McDonald brought in Bushrangers opener Marcus Harris and the evergreen Brad Hogg.
Finch said the 43-year-old Hogg was someone who "still excites the crowds" and brought energy to the group.
"[I'm] really excited to see what Hoggy brings to our side," he said.
"He is someone who takes wickets and we expect nothing less, so I am excited for him."
The Renegades finished on top of the ladder in the 2012-13 BBL but have failed to climb any higher than fifth since that breakthrough season.
Finch said a more attacking bowling line-up may be the key to turning around his side's fortunes.
"We've got guys [such as Chris Tremain and Nathan Rimmington] who are natural wicket-takers," he said.
"Sunil [Narine] comes into the side. He is a world class bowler. He brings a real x-factor along with Hogg.
"In T20, a lot of experienced heads can often help. It keeps the group calm and keeps the younger guys thinking about their game and looking for ways to improve."
While the Renegades captain has his sights firmly focused on the domestic game, Finch said he wanted to use the BBL as an eventual springboard to an improved international game.
"I was just short of runs," Finch said when asked about his form in the recent ODI series against New Zealand.
"I'm always excited coming into Big Bash. It gives you a chance to play your natural game and see where you go.
"I'm very confident that if I get another opportunity I'll do well but if not, [it will be] time to get some runs and get back [into the team]."