MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 07: James Pattinson of the Melbourne Renegades screams for a catch during the Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Renegades and the Melbourne Stars at Etihad Stadium on January 7, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The Melbourne Renegades will go into their crucial Big Bash League clash on New Year's Day against the Sydney Sixers in Coffs Harbour without James Pattinson and Mitch Perry.

The team confirmed their 13-man squad for the trip north, with Pattinson and Perry both held behind due to not receiving the results of a PCR test before flying out of Melbourne.

The Renegades have also lost Nic Maddinson for the clash, who has been called into the Australian Test squad as cover following a positive COVID test to Travis Head. It means Kane Richardson will take over as captain of the side.

Pattinson and Perry will remain in Melbourne and are expected to be available for selection for the Renegades' next match on January 3 against the Melbourne Stars, although that match is currently walking a tightrope and could be postponed due to the Stars' precarious COVID position.

The Stars reportedly have more than a dozen players and support staff who have now tested positive to coronavirus, meaning they will all be forced into isolation for the next seven days under Victorian health rules.

The men in green already had to postpone their match against the Perth Scorchers as they were waiting for results on Thursday afternoon, and could well be forced to postpone their next two matches including the Melbourne derby.

Saturday's clash with the Sixers is must-win for the Renegades, who currently sit at the bottom of the BBL ladder with just one win from their first six games and hopes of making the finals relying on a sharp reversal in form over their next few matches.