Struggling Melbourne Renegades stars Cameron White, Tom Cooper could be dropped as Aaron Finch returns

CAMERON White and Tom Cooper are on red alert. Melbourne Renegades’ most recent two captains need runs and they need them now. For one of them, it might be too late.

Cameron White of the Renegades.

CAMERON White and Tom Cooper are on red alert.

Melbourne Renegades’ most recent two captains need runs and they need them now.

For one of them, it might be too late. Aaron Finch returns on Monday and someone has to make way.

It shouldn’t be Mackenzie Harvey, 18, or Sam Harper, 22. The kids have been rare shining lights this summer, contributing five scores of more than 20 runs.

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“The exposure of Harvey and Harper is a real positive,” coach Andrew McDonald said after a third consecutive defeat triggered by poor batting.

Pint-sized Harper is a sharp gloveman and has showed off a range of shots, scoring all around the wicket.

Harvey — the nephew of Victorian great Ian Harvey — looks a future star of Australian cricket and is also a jet in the field.

It is also unlikely to be Beau Webster, who returned from a long-term injury in the January 1 derby and has 52 runs from two games.

“The positive tonight is Beau Webster,” McDonald said on Thursday.

“I think he’s missed eight weeks of cricket, and he gets time in the middle.”

Cameron White has just 60 runs to his name this Big Bash season.

Dan Christian and Mohammad Nabi helped orchestrate the first two wins and, as all-rounders, offer crucial bowling options, while Tim Ludeman has already been dropped.

That leaves three players. Jack Wildermuth, Cooper and White.

Wildermuth was praised by McDonald on Thursday night and also offers a bowling option, although Finch doesn’t mind rolling the arm over and could absorb his overs.

The Renegades batting has been a revolving door this season. There’s been five different opening combinations in five games and they are the only franchise still searching for a half-century.

Cooper was installed captain in Finch’s absence last month while 12 months ago White Big-Bashed his way back into Australia’s ODI line-up.

Could one of them really face the axe?

“They’ll be two guys who will be obviously looking to improve their performances,” McDonald said.

“Finch will definitely go to the top (but) we haven’t gone that far as to what we think is the best formula.

“We’ve got a big decision to make as to who goes out, and it’ll be based upon our opposition and where we think players are at.

“We’ve had some small discussions post-match but nothing in concrete yet.”

RED ALERT

Sam Harper — 95 runs, av 19, strike rate 135.7

Cameron White — 60 runs, av 12, strike rate 85.7

Mackenzie Harvey — 52 runs, av 17.3, strike rate 115.6

Beau Webster — 52 runs, av 26, strike rate 94.6

Tom Cooper — 45 runs, av 9, strike rate 104.7

Jack Wildermuth — 31 runs, av 7.8, strike rate 83.8

Tim Ludeman — 20 runs, av 6.7, strike rate 100*

*Ludeman was dropped after three games

Originally published as Struggling Melbourne Renegades stars Cameron White, Tom Cooper could be dropped as Aaron Finch returns