13-14 Big Bash Thread

Bravo says he can't replace Finch

AFP

I'm no Aaron Finch, Melbourne Rengades' West Indies import Dwayne Bravo says.

The Windies' one-day international captain and 2012 World T20 winner has landed in Melbourne in time for the Renegades' last two regular-season games against his former team the Sydney Sixers on Saturday at Etihad Stadium and the Strikers in Adelaide on January 22.

The Renegades are second-last on the table with a 2-4 win-loss record, leaving them in a tight squeeze to qualify for next month's semi-finals.

And the absence of Renegades' skipper and the tournament's leading runscorer Aaron Finch for the next two games because of Australia's one-day internaitonal commitments heaps even more pressure on the well-credentialled Bravo, who was all blinged up with a big gold chain and massive watch on Friday.

Bravo says the pressure will be high.

"There's a lot of hype with me coming here," Bravo told reporters on Friday.

"I'm feeling at home. I feel very comfortable."

But just don't ask him to blast big scores from the top of the order.

"I don't think anyone can fill Aaron Finch's boots. He's in great form," said Bravo, who played for Victoria in the former Big Bash before it become a city-based competition.

"He's one of the better players in this format of the game.

"I don't see myself as an opening batsman. I see myself as a middle-order finisher.

"I'm not going to try to match him."

Bravo, who hit 106 for the Windies in Hamilton earlier this month in an ODI clash with New Zealand, is only available for two games before returning to domestic cricket for Trinidad.

"It's very important for me to give my allround experience with this young talented team. I follow the BBL very closely," he said.

"It's one of my favourite tournaments."

Bravo said he was keen to lock horns with his former Sixers' teammate and good friend Brett Lee, who's still bowling at express pace at 37.

Lee has claimed eight wickets in six games for the third-placed Sixers.

"I always look forward to facing him," Bravo said.

"He's still looking fit despite his retirement from international cricket.

"I hope to bring something special for the fans."