Australia’s Test stars return to BBL

Australia's Test stars return to BBL

Several members of Australia's Ashes-winning Test squad will return to Big Bash League action from Saturday, giving a timely boost to BBL|15.

Players available from January 10:

• Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers)
• Brendan Doggett (Melbourne Renegades)
• Josh Inglis (Perth Scorchers)
• Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne (Brisbane Heat)
• Todd Murphy and Steve Smith (Sydney Sixers)
• Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster (Hobart Hurricanes)

Later arrivals:

• Michael Neser (Brisbane Heat) – available from January 14
• Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers) – available from January 16

Notable absentees:

• Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars) and Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers) – undergoing recovery after playing all five Ashes Tests
• Cameron Green – remains uncontracted as he recovers from back surgery

Boland bowled the most overs in the Ashes series (159.5), while Head was Australia's leading run-scorer.

Cricket Australia stated that all Test players will follow individual management plans to balance recovery and preparation for upcoming international commitments, including the T20 World Cup, while allowing BBL participation where possible.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia's executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said: "We are delighted to have a number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tomorrow night off the back of their Ashes series victory."

Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia's General Manager, National Teams, added: "We have worked with each player on individual plans to best support recovery from the Ashes and preparation for upcoming international commitments. Wherever possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing BBL|15 season over the coming fortnight."