Renegades sign Sutherland as rookie

Talented youngster Will Sutherland's golden summer looks set to continue after Melbourne Renegades signed the teenager on a rookie deal for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season.

Sutherland, who rejected advances from Australian Football League clubs to pursue a career in cricket, could add a BBL debut to a summer that's already exceeded the youngster's modest expectations.

The allrounder became Victoria's youngest ever List A debutant during the Bushrangers' JLT One-Day Cup campaign in October and snared 4-11 in his second match against a star-studded NSW side.

He returned to Melbourne to complete his year 12 exams but having now completed his studies – which prevented him from training more frequently with Victoria's squad this year – Sutherland's dream season could continue with a T20 berth.

"I'm really excited to be on board with the Renegades this season – it will be my first taste of the BBL as a player," said Sutherland.

"The opportunity to learn from the likes of Aaron Finch, Brad Hodge, Dwayne Bravo and Brad Hogg is something I'm really looking forward to.

"T20 cricket tests every part of your game so I'm excited about working closely with some of the best players in the world to achieve success with the Renegades and develop my own skills along the way."

Sutherland is currently in Tasmania fulfilling his duties as captain of the Victoria Metro side at the Under-19 National Championships.

He is likely to be a strong candidate to also lead Australia in the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, to be held in New Zealand in January and February, having co-captained his country in an U19 series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

A powerfully built right-handed batsman and nippy pace bowler who models his game on Marcus Stoinis, Sutherland had previously said his goals for this season were limited to perhaps getting a game for Victoria's Toyota Futures League side and making the squad for the U19 World Cup.

Renegades coach Andrew McDonald indicated Sutherland, the son of Cricket Australia chief executive James, could play for the Renegades despite the tournament's clash with the World Cup.

"Will is an exciting prospect for us and we'll give him every opportunity around his under 19 commitments to push for a spot in the starting XI this season," McDonald said.

"There will be some strong competition for spots, but Will provides a versatile option given his ability with bat and ball.

"He'll get a lot out of being around the squad and he's certainly going to provide some excitement for Renegades fans in the years to come."

Sutherland's signing means family loyalties will be split this Big Bash summer. Last week, his 16-year-old sister Annabel revealed she was jumping ship from the Renegades – where she made her Rebel WBBL debut last summer aged just 15 – for cross-town rivals Melbourne Stars.

The Renegades begin their BBL season on December 21 at Blundstone Arena when they take on Hobart Hurricanes.

Melbourne Renegades BBL|07 squad: Dwayne Bravo (WI), Tom Cooper, Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Jon Holland, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Sunil Narine (WI), James Pattinson, Kane Richardson, Matt Short, Will Sutherland (rookie), Chris Tremain, Guy Walker, Beau Webster, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth.