AUSTRALIA-BASED former Zimbabwe Under-19 cricket team player Solomon Mire has been rewarded for his consistent performances down under after being given a chance of a lifetime by top Twenty20 (T20) franchise in that country, the Melbourne Renegades.
DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
The Melbourne Renegades are an Australian professional men’s T20 cricket team based in Victoria and compete in that country’s premier T20 cricket competition, the Big Bash League.
Mire (24) was awarded a rookie contract at the top franchise after some impressive displays for Victoria-based Essendon Cricket Club, who ply their trade in the Bartercard Premier Cricket League.
The former Southern Rocks all-rounder was named in that competition’s team of the season in 2012-2013. However, according to reports from Australia, it was his blistering century off 53 balls in a trial game in Ballarat recently that sealed his elevation.
“Melbourne Renegades have signed former Zimbabwean Under-19 player Solomon Mire as their community rookie for BBL03,” the top franchise announced on their official website.
“The 24-year-old made headlines in July when he struck a tournament record 260, from 157 balls with 21 sixes and 13 fours, in a one-day match for Waratahs in the Darwin and District Cricket competition.
“He also struck 184 later in the season and amassed 955 runs, the second highest in the competition.” Melbourne Renegades coach Simon Helmot was full of praise for Mire, describing him as a multi-skilled player. “Solomon is a hard-hitting, multi-skilled opening batsman who can also bowl,” Helmot said.
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“We look forward to having him in the Renegades set-up this season.” The rookie contract will see Mire rubbing shoulders with top players such as Australia’s Ashes star Peter Siddle and other top Australian players such as Aaron Finch, Fawad Ahmed, James Pattinson and former Sri Lanka spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan.
Mire played 13 first-class matches in Zimbabwe before moving to Victoria four years ago. A hard-hitting and ultra-exciting all-rounder, Mire was born in Harare and first played the game in Grade 6.
He would represent his country at junior level less than 12 months later and would do so until age 19. He also led his country to the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008. The Renegades will open their 2013 Big Bash League campaign with a derby clash against cross-town rivals the Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday night.
The Renegades’ first home match at Etihad Stadium is scheduled for December 30 against the Brisbane Heat. Melbourne Renegades Big Bash League 2013 squad: Fawad Ahmed, Tom Cooper, Alex Doolan, Andrew Fekete, Aaron Finch, Matthew Gale, Daniel Harris, Jayde Herrick, Michael Hill, Solomon Mire, Muthiah Muralitharan, Peter Nevill, Aaron O’Brien, James Pattinson, Jake Reed, Nathan Rimmington, Ben Rohrer, Will Sheridan, Matt Short (Development Rookie), Peter Siddle.
