Ashes antagonist to Renegade: Bairstow bound for Big Bash

England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow has signed with the Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming BBL|16 season. The 37-year-old joins former England Test captain Ben Stokes as one of the tournament's marquee English signings. Bairstow will be available for the entire season and is set to fill roles in the top order and behind the stumps after Tim Seifert departed for the Sydney Sixers.

This marks Bairstow's debut campaign in the Big Bash League, having previously signed with the Melbourne Stars for BBL|10 before international duties prevented him from playing. Bairstow will link up with the Renegades squad, captained by Will Sutherland, ahead of their season opener against the Perth Scorchers in Chennai.