Melbourne Renegades 141 for 7 (Havey 32*, Boult 2-32) beat Melbourne Stars 108 for 9 (Larkin 48*, Rogers 5-16) by 33 runs
The ‘Melbourne derby’ descended into controversy when Zampa tried to run out non-striker Rogers in the last over of Renegades’ innings. But it was given not out and Rogers then ripped through Stars’ batting order as Renegades snapped a four-game losing streak.
A marquee fixture in the BBL, which famously attracted a crowd of over 80,000 in 2016, Renegades tasted victory for just the eighth time from 23 games against Stars in front of 38,500 fans.
Controversy at the MCG
Zampa bowled superbly to finish with 1 for 18 from four overs. He captained well marked by an aggressive approach against opposite number Aaron Finch, who fell second ball after Trent Boult returned to the attack in the 10th over.
But it was overshadowed by his attempt to run out Rogers at the non-striker’s end in the final over. Frustrated after a missed catch earlier in the over, Zampa on the second last delivery tried to run out Rogers at the non-striker’s end after the batter had left his crease early.
He quickly whipped off the bails and appealed for the wicket after there was initial confusion over whether Zampa was merely warning Rogers. But it was given not out after replays showed that Zampa’s bowling arm was past vertical.
Rogers and Zampa exchanged words, although the batter was laughing as he walked off the ground at the end of the innings. Some fans did not share Rogers’ sentiments as jeering rang around the MCG and Zampa ensured another night of endless debate ensued.
On the broadcast, Stars coach David Hussey said Zampa would have withdrawn his appeal if it had been given out and that “it’s not the right way to play cricket”.
Rogers has the last laugh
Rogers was clearly pumped-up when he opened the bowling. With his first legal delivery, Rogers bowled in-form Joe Clarke with a cracker then dismissed Beau Webster caught and bowled.
Conjuring menacing movement, he was almost unplayable and claimed his third wicket by bowling his namesake Tom Rogers to leave Stars reeling at 12 for 3 in the third over.
He returned in the 11th over to snare Hilton Cartwright, who had started a rescue job alongside Nick Larkin, and then removed Luke Wood to finish with 5 for 16 in the best figures in Renegades’ history.
Stoinis might need to move up the order
Still chasing an elusive title, Stars are headed for familiar disappointment at a record of 2-5 and stuck near the bottom of the ladder.
Stars’ only win in their last five games was against Adelaide Strikers when Marcus Stoinis smashed 74 off 35 balls in his first knock of substance this season, which was initially derailed after he contracted Covid-19.
With skipper Glenn Maxwell still on the sidelines, a lot of burden has fallen on Stoinis who could not deliver on this occasion as he fell for six. Chasing a supposed modest total, Stars crashed to 18 for 4 and they never recovered.
Having batted at No.4 or No.5 this season, similarly to his middle-order role with Australia, Stoinis might need to move back to the top of the order – where he had enjoyed success over the years for Stars.
Marsh injured again
Heading into the BBL, Shaun Marsh hadn’t played at any level since captaining Western Australia to a drought-breaking Sheffield Shield triumph last season.
After knee surgery in the off-season, Marsh suffered a setback in his recovery with a calf injury in October. There were fears over whether Marsh, who turns 40 in July, had played his last professional match but he overcame his woes to return last week against Sydney Sixers.
Mustering his wealth of experience, Marsh looked good in two previous games without converting strong starts. Against Stars, Marsh again played himself in amid a sedate partnership with an out-of form Martin Guptill.
But Marsh’s woes resurfaced when he suffered a leg injury and was clearly hobbled. He decided to throw the bat, quite literally too, with his bat flying metres into the air after an attempt at a big hit.
With Marsh struggling to run between the wickets, Renegades took the power surge in the 12th over. It didn’t provide a tonic for Marsh, who fell for 32 off 35 balls and he trudged off amid fresh uncertainty over his future.
It’s another injury blow for Renegades with regular skipper Nic Maddinson sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth