Several members of Australia’s Ashes-winning Test squad are set to return to Big Bash League (BBL) action from Saturday, giving a significant boost to the ongoing BBL 15 season.
From January 10, many Test stars such as Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers), Brendan Doggett (Melbourne Renegades), Josh Inglis (Perth Scorchers), Usman Khawaja and Marnes Labuschagne (Brisbane Heat), St Smygs, Welt Mordakis (St Smygs), Welt will be selected. Weatherold and Beau Webster (Hobart Hurricanes).
Additional reinforcements are expected after the tournament, with Brisbane Heat all-rounder Michael Neser set to return from January 14, while Sydney Sixers pacer Mitchell Starc is set to join the tournament from January 16.
However, not all Ashes players will feature in BBL 15. Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars) and Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers) will be out of the tournament with short recovery suspensions after playing in all five Ashes Tests.
Cameron Green will also miss the season and is out of contract as he continues his rehabilitation following major back surgery.
Boland bowled the most overs in the Ashes series, finishing with 159.5 overs, while Head finished the campaign as Australia’s leading run-scorer.
Cricket Australia has ensured all Test players follow individual management plans, aimed at balancing recovery and preparation for upcoming international commitments, including the ICC T20 World Cup.
“KFC BBL Season 15 has delivered outstanding cricket and incredible fan experiences, with record attendances and broadcast audiences ever,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Big Bash Leagues.
“Following the NRMA Insurance Ashes series win we are delighted to have a number of Australian Test players entering the tournament from tomorrow night and we thank them for their commitment to the BBL,” he added.
Cricket Australia’s general manager of national teams, Ben Oliver, echoed those sentiments and praised the Test team’s efforts throughout the demanding schedule.
“We are very proud of the Australian men’s Test team and their outstanding record in winning the Ashes series. The five-Test series was very intense and the players and staff deserve huge credit for their preparation and management, which has enabled a consistent performance throughout the international calendar,” said Oliver.
“We have worked closely with each player to recover from the Ashes and prepare for upcoming international commitments, including the ICC T20 World Cup. Where possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing KFC BBL 15 season over the next fortnight.”