SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Liam Livingstone of the Scorchers bats during the Big Bash League Final match between the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers at the Sydney Cricket Ground on February 06, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
The Melbourne Renegades will be without No.1 draft pick Liam Livingstone for the beginning of the upcoming Big Bash League season after the Englishman was called up to his nation's Test squad for December.
England are scheduled to face Pakistan abroad in a three-Test series beginning on the first day of summer and running until the 21st of December.
Livingstone's inclusion means the 29-year-old will be unavailable for the Renegades' opening few fixtures of BBL|12, with the Melbourne franchise scheduled to face the Heat (twice) and Thunder between December 15-21.
The Renegades are also fixtures against the HUrricanes on the 24th, another clash Livingstone will be in doubt for.
While delighted for Livingstone's promotion into England'sTest squad, Renegades general manager James Rosengarten stated his club will be needing to work through the needed list changes for the coming months.
“We congratulate Liam on being named in the England squad to play Pakistan, where he will be in the frame to make his Test debut,” Rosengarten said in a club statement.
“We've been aware of this possibility for a little while now and have been working through Liam's availability and what's best for the Renegades.
“We believe Liam can still have a big impact for us in BBL|12, and in our recent discussions, he's still looking forward to being part of our team, being back in the BBL and playing as many games as he can for our club following his international commitments.
“We'll continue to work with Liam over the coming weeks as to exactly how this looks.
“At the same time, we have already been working behind the scenes on finding the best player for our needs when Liam is unavailable. There are several world-class players who are now available to us during this period, and we will leave no stone unturned to give our team the best chance of success this season.”
Livingstone was among several world-class recruits drafted through the BBL's new draft model, with the Englishman landing at the top of the order with the Renegades.
Part of the recruitment planning for a number of clubs atop the draft order was to focus on talent that would be available for all of, if not most of, the BBL|12 season.
The Renegades will be able to scout and sign a replacement player to fill the shoes Livingstone will leave for the opening several fixtures for the summer schedule.