Michael Archer found out he had a Big Bash contract while he was at work. He is a teacher, and he was in his classroom at a school in Thornbury, in Melbourne’s north, when the news came through.
The 29-year-old leg-spinner tried to slip out quietly, not wanting students or workmates to see him tear up. He hid in a staff room instead. He signed on his girlfriend’s birthday, which he admits stole her thunder a little.
Archer’s road to this point was long. He grew up in Tatura, a small town in Victoria’s north. He only started bowling leg-spin, where the ball turns away from a right-handed batter, at 18 or 19. He started playing grade cricket at 23 or 24, first for Greenvale, then for Carlton, where he helped win a first-grade premiership.
One game, then a full deal
Last season he got a taste of the BBL as a call-up player. He played one game, the Renegades’ last match against Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval. The Renegades were bowled out for 98, so he only bowled two overs in front of about 25,000 fans. He says he never felt overawed.
That was enough. Strong form in the Renegades Academy and a hat-trick (three wickets in three balls) in the Top End T20 series in Darwin earned him his first full contract in August. Now he is on the Renegades’ main list for BBL|16.
With Adam Zampa gone to the Hurricanes and Jason Behrendorff out injured, Archer has a real chance to bowl big overs this summer. See the Renegades’ rebuilt attack and why Behrendorff ruled out for the season matters so much. The season starts on 12 December in Chennai.
Last verified: 29 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael Archer?
A 29-year-old Victorian leg-spinner who signed his first full Melbourne Renegades contract for BBL|16 after years in grade cricket and the club’s academy.
When did Michael Archer make his BBL debut?
In the Renegades’ final game of BBL|15 against Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval, as a call-up player.