Pattinson, 26, has not played top-level cricket since Australia's tour of New Zealand in February when he was diagnosed with left shin stress fractures. He then had a recurrence of a back injury before more trouble, this time straining a hamstring having made his return at the start of the Victorian Premier Cricket season.

He has lifted his pace at training in recent weeks and is ready to resume his role as spearhead against the Stars at what almost certainly will be a sold-out Etihad Stadium, where he has Glenn Maxwell and Kevin Pietersen in his sights.

"I was hoping to play the first Big Bash game but had a minor hiccup. I am ready to go now," Pattinson said on Friday.

"Hopefully, I can get out there and contribute to another win for the Renegades and set our season up. I have had four or five good bowls now at my maximum in the nets, so I am feeling really good."

Australia's national selectors will also keep a close eye on events, for Pattinson, should he remain fit and find form, would be in strong contention for a call-up to the national side for a one-day series in New Zealand and then the three Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka next month, the latter when the Test squad is in India.

Pattinson said national honours were not his focus.

"It's completely out of my mind at the moment. I am just looking forward to getting back to playing some Big Bash cricket," he said.

The Renegades claimed a seven-run win in a rain-marred derby at the MCG last Sunday, but there will be no such concerns this time about the weather under a closed roof. The Gades have unveiled two giant JumboTron screens which will hang from the roof, but it will be on the field where their fans hope the most excitement is derived.

They head into the contest with a 2-1 record, while the Stars (1-2) are suddenly on the back foot after a last-ball loss to the Thunder, when Eoin Morgan thumped a six off Ben Hilfenhaus to complete a stunning win. But veteran Melbourne Stars batsman Rob Quiney has warned the Renegades to "beware the wounded".

Quiney is set to return to the top of the order, having begun the season with a match-winning 75 off 43 balls in Hobart but then missed the past two matches – both defeats – because of a hamstring strain.

His return could see the Stars reconfigure their line-up, with replacement opener Maxwell possibly shifting down the order.

"It's an old-cliche but I am happy to bat anywhere. My injury meant it opened up a spot for someone else and someone else took it. 'Maxi' batted beautifully last game," Quiney said.

Pietersen, who supplied 60 off 37 balls against the Thunder, has spoken about the "panic" the Stars have felt this season, declaring they must banish these thoughts when the game is on the line.

"You don't want to keep putting yourself in that position. We seem to and, hopefully, we keep digging ourselves out of trouble. Beware the wounded come [Saturday] night, hopefully," Quiney said. "Hopefully, if Hilfy has the ball in his hand again and the game is on the line, I would back him to do the job."

The Gades turned to spinner Tom Cooper to open the bowling in last week's derby in a bid to unsettle Maxwell, and it worked when he charged down the pitch and was stumped on the fourth ball of the match.

It has emerged Maxwell is using a bat with greater power lower on the blade, as India's top batsmen regularly have, rather than the Australian tradition of having the "meat" in the middle.

He believes this allows him to control his swing more – but the big score has yet to come.

The Renegades are also set to unveil Sri Lankan fast-bowling all-rounder Thisara Perera, drafted in to replace injured West Indian Dwayne Bravo. Perera has played six Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 54 Twenty20 internationals.

The Stars will also need to do better against ageless spin wizard Brad Hogg, who claimed 3-22 off four overs on Sunday.

"There are some good players of spin in our side. Hopefully, I can just get them on strike. If need be, I will take him on. But he is on fire at the moment," Quiney said.

This could be the last BBL match for a while for Maxwell, Finch and leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who may join the Australian one-day team from next week. However, the Stars are likely to regain Test star Peter Handscomb.