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BENDIGO'S Brayden Stepien has earned a second Big Bash League opportunity with the Melbourne Renegades.
Stepien has been added to the Renegades squad as a local replacement player for Cameron Boyce (health condition).
Stepien's announcement into the Renegades' squad came on the morning of the side's game against the Brisbane Heat at Canberra's Manuka Oval tonight.
Stepien has been selected as one of the Renegades' X-Factor players for the Heat clash, meaning he can come into the team after the 10th over of Melbourne's innings and replace a player yet to bat.
Hard-hitting keeper-batsman Stepien says he's relishing the chance for another crack at the BBL having had a taste late last season when he played two games for the Renegades against the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat.
While he wicket-kept in both matches, the 23-year-old didn't get the chance to show his wares with the bat.
"Getting to know the boys last year makes it a lot easier and they are really welcoming," Stepien said.
"I'm really keen to get another opportunity at the level and have the chance to show my skills.
I'm really keen to get another opportunity at the level and have the chance to show my skills
- Brayden Stepien
"The two games last year gave me the experience of knowing what to expect this time and I'm really looking forward to, hopefully, getting a game and playing with and against some of the best cricketers in Australia."
It has been a tough season for the Renegades, who head into tonight's match on the bottom of the ladder with a 2-7 record.
Stepien's call-up to the Renegades comes after a superb start to the Premier Cricket season with Carlton.
After five rounds Stepien is second on the Premier Cricket runs behind another former BDCA product in James Seymour (Essendon) with 363 at an average of 121.0 and strike rate of 126.9.
From his four hits for the Blues this season Stepien has made scores of 50, 157 n.o., 88 and 68.
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