After an off-season switch from Hobart Hurricanes, Christian will play his first game for the Renegades against the Scorchers at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

He's hoping his cricket equipment bag will have arrived by then.

Christian arrived in Melbourne without the tools of his trade in the early hours of Wednesday morning after he was part of the Jozi Stars side that won the final of the South African T20 tournament on Sunday.

"It was taken off the plane in Perth on the way home even though I was told it was checked in all the way to Melbourne," Christian told supporters with a wry smile on Wednesday.

"Hopefully it will arrive.

"It's been a bit of a frustrating day but Kookaburra have been looking after me for years and their factory is just down the road from my house so I ducked in there and grabbed some stuff."

Christian met his new teammates for the first time for a training session at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.

The Renegades face a tough opening to BBL08, having never beaten the Scorchers in eight attempts.

"I only found that out this morning actually ... I had no idea that they'd never beaten them," Christian said.

"It doesn't really bother me I don't carry that baggage.

"I was lucky enough to be a part of a pretty solid (Hurricanes) win against the Scorchers in the semi-final over there last year in front of a massive crowd at the new stadium.

"I think we've got a really strong side with a lot of bases covered ... if we play anywhere near our best I'm sure we can get a victory."

The Renegades will be without captain Aaron Finch and star opener Marcus Harris, who will be rested after taking part in Australia's win over India in the second Test.

Australian Associated Press