Just as Melbourne Renegades find some form in the Big Bash League, national selection punches a whole in their lineup.
Celebrating a convincing five-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes at Bellerive Oval on Monday night that keeps them in finals contention, the visitors should have been looking forward to carrying some momentum into round six.
Instead Saturday's home-town derby against Melbourne Stars will see the Renegades minus instrumental skipper Aaron Finch and the experienced Matthew Wade, who have both been named in Australia's 13-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against India.
"I'm disappointed that I can't play that return leg but at the same time I would never give up playing cricket for Australia," Finch told reporters after Monday's win, which follows three successive losses.
The skipper made a classy 60-run contribution for Renegades on the Bellerive pitch as the visitors comfortably reached 5-141 with six overs to spare in reply to Hurricanes' 5-140.
It was a turnaround for the Melbourne outfit who have struggled across all aspects of the game this summer and have been lowly placed on the tournament ladder.
Despite the absence of two key players Finch believes side has the depth needed for further success.
Although with paceman James Pattinson not due back from Test duties in time for Saturday's clash, the weight will be great for those remaining.
"It's just a part of cricket, when guys get selected for Australia it's great for the Renegades," Finch said.
"Unfortunately sometimes it hurts us on the scoreboard and on the ladder but we're all very proud of anyone who plays for Australia and it's a small sacrifice to make."
Renegades' batsman Chris Gayle could also be in doubt as he faces possible sanction for sideline comments he made during Monday's match.
The former West Indies Test skipper has been criticised for making remarks to a female TV presenter which officials later labeled disrespectful and inappropriate.
But balancing the scales for Saturday's match will be the absence of Stars players James Faulkner, Scott Boland and Glenn Maxwell who have also received a ODI call up.
