Big Bash League stalwart Jonathan Wells had signed a two-year deal at the Melbourne Renegades ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Wells is one of the BBL's most prolific run-scorers, sitting fourth on the league's all-time run-scorers list (behind Chris Lynn, Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell).
The Renegades were quick to pounce on Wells, after he was let go from the Adelaide Strikers despite being the club's leading run-scorer last season (second in the league), with a run tally of 501 runs from 17 innings.
Wells has played 111 BBL matches at both the Hobart Hurricanes and Strikers, helping secure a BBL title for the latter side in 2017/18. Across his career, Wells has mastered the art of batting through the middle order, amassing a career average a tick under 35.
Wells said he was excited to join an experienced playing list, which boasts the likes of Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Kane Richardson.
"It’s something I’m really looking forward to and I’m very excited to officially be a Renegade,” Wells said in a club statement on Wednesday.
"I think it’s a great list that’s coming together. From my side, it’s really exciting and a great challenge to come across and try to build some success. There’s a good mix of experience and some really good youth coming through, so hopefully we can get on the board early and take that momentum forward.
First interview in 🔴
Hear from new recruit Jon Wells about why he's excited to sign on with the Renegades!#GETONRED pic.twitter.com/UtTVHfZT7A
— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) August 17, 2022
"‘Sos’ is one I’ve played with previously and someone I’m looking forward to reuniting with and playing alongside again. There’s a few guys I’ve played a fair bit of cricket against over the years – it will be nice to be on the same team as guys like Finchy, Maddo and Richo, to name a few.
"Playing in the Melbourne Derby is something I’m really looking forward to. To get a massive crowd there, it always makes it better and it’s always exciting when the fans are out and making some noise."
Wells has become the second major signing of the off-season, after the Renegades lured fast bowler Tom Rogers from the Hurricanes.
