The England veteran will keep wickets for the Renegades in his maiden Big Bash League season.
Jonny Bairstow has joined Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming Big Bash League season, marking his maiden appearance in the competition. The 37-year-old England international will take the gloves for the Renegades and will be available throughout the full campaign. Bairstow brings extensive international experience to the franchise, having represented England across all three formats at the highest level.
The signing represents a significant addition to the Renegades' squad ahead of BBL 16. Bairstow is a two-time World Cup winner and has played 100 Test matches for England. Across 107 ODIs, he has scored 3,868 runs including 11 centuries at a strike rate above 100, while also featuring in 80 T20 internationals for his country.
"I'm really excited about joining the Renegades. Having the MCG as our home ground is pretty special and I'm looking forward to getting out there, playing the way I play and hopefully entertaining the fans," Bairstow said to Melbourne Renegades.
He added that his previous experiences in Australia have shaped his appreciation for the country's cricket culture.
"I've always loved playing in Australia. The crowds are passionate and I've always enjoyed that side of the contest," he explained.
Bairstow's three Ashes tours to Australia in 2013-14, 2017-18 and 2021-22 have given him familiarity with the country's cricket environment and its competitive traditions. He acknowledged the historical context of playing in Australia, referencing past encounters between England and Australian teams. "
I know there's been a bit of history over the years and I'm sure I'll hear plenty about it when I get over there. That's part of the fun of it," Bairstow said.
Why Bairstow chose Melbourne Renegades
Ronchi emphasised the significance of Bairstow's Test experience and major tournament success in building a competitive squad.
"Jonny has been one of the most damaging white-ball batters in world cricket for a long period of time and we’re delighted to have him joining us," Ronchi said.
"He's played 100 Test matches, won World Cups and performed in some of the biggest games and competitions around the world. That experience is incredibly valuable to our group," Ronchi added.
He outlined how Bairstow's aggressive approach to batting fits the Renegades' strategic direction.
"But just as importantly, he plays the game in a way that we want to play. He's aggressive, he puts pressure back on the opposition and he's capable of changing a game very quickly," Ronchi added.
Bairstow will reconnect with Renegades captain Will Sutherland, with whom he played for Yorkshire in the 2025 T20 Blast. The BBL 16 season commences with the Renegades facing the Scorchers in Chennai on December 12.