Canberra wicket-keeper/batsman Aaron Ayre has joined the Melbourne Renegades and could make his Big Bash League debut in Saturday night's sold-out derby against the Melbourne Stars.
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A crowd in excess of 50,000 is expected to pack into Etihad Stadium for the highly-anticipated encounter for what would be a dream BBL initiation for the 23-year-old.
Ayre has signed with the Renegades for the rest of the season as a replacement player with wicket-keeper Matthew Wade and opener Aaron Finch on one-day international duties.
The Renegades have also gained the services of Test gloveman Peter Nevill for the first time this season, while recalling former international spinner Nathan Hauritz and Ben McDermott.
Ayre's inclusion in the Renegades' 13-man squad continues an incredible past couple of months.
The former Canberra junior made a late dash across Melbourne, leaving his club match midway during the game to make his Sheffield Shield debut in November after Wade broke his collarbone in a net session.
Ayre smashed 24 off 10 balls in his first Shield appearance against Western Australia and claimed his first catch off the bowling of Test paceman Peter Siddle.
Ayre was then included in a Victorian invitational XI which faced the West Indies in a two-day tour game in Geelong in November.
