Melbourne Renegades' surprise-packet spinner Peter Hatzoglou won't be the only fringe Big Bash League player to stand up this summer, a senior teammate predicts.
Hatzoglou claimed 2-29 on debut against the disappointing Perth Scorchers on Saturday night, helping set up a convincing seven-wicket win at Hobart's Blundstone Arena.
The Renegades will look to continue their momentum when they meet the Sydney Sixers at the same ground on Sunday.
After conceding 12 off his first over, Hatzoglou returned halfway through to remove big scalps Cameron Bancroft and Mitchell Marsh.
Hatzoglou has plied his trade in grade cricket with Melbourne University and Adelaide side Prospect and was only named as a replacement signing on Monday after Marcus Harris and Will Sutherland withdrew.
"He did brilliantly. And the most impressive thing is he was up for the contest," 33-year-old teammate Josh Lalor, who took 3-30, said.
"He's a guy that's a bit different to the rest (and) another string to our bow."
Big Bash squads are more fluid this tournament than in past years due to coronavirus travel restrictions, international team bubbles and quarantine and Australia A commitments.
Lalor said it would open the door for fringe players to make a mark.
Hobart rookie Tim David did exactly that on Thursday, hitting a quickfire half century in his side's win over the Sixers.
"We've got to remember that these guys are really excellent cricketers and they're keen to have an opportunity," Lalor said.
"Sometimes the guys that are fresh faced are the ones with the most energy.
"I don't think Pete's going to be the only one for the tournament, put it that way."
The Renegades, who fielded six new players in their opening match of the season, rolled the Scorchers for 130 before Shaun Marsh clobbered 62 in the chase.
"We're really fortunate with the variety in our attack," Lalor said.
"I'm sure, at some point, a team is going to line us up. But with so much variety, it's going to be hard for teams to get hold of all our different types of bowlers."
