Cricket Australia has confirmed that the ongoing BBL 15 will see an influx of talent as multiple members of Australia’s Ashes-winning Test squad return to action starting Saturday.
Key Returning Players
Among those making their return for various teams in BBL 15 are:
- Alex Carey with the Adelaide Strikers
- Brendan Doggett with the Melbourne Renegades
- Josh Inglis with the Perth Scorchers
- Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne with the Brisbane Heat
- Todd Murphy and Steve Smith with the Sydney Sixers
- Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster with the Hobart Hurricanes
All these players will be eligible for selection starting January 10.
Additional Return Dates
- Michael Neser will join the Brisbane Heat on January 14.
- Mitchell Starc will rejoin the Sydney Sixers on January 16.
Injuries and Absences
Conversely, three players will not return for the remainder of the BBL 15 season. Scott Boland and Travis Head will be sidelined for an extended period to recover after playing in all five Ashes Test matches. Cameron Green is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from back surgery.
During the series, Boland had a heavy workload, bowling a total of 159.5 overs, while Head finished as Australia’s top run-scorer in the Ashes.
Planning for Recovery and Future Commitments
Cricket Australia (CA) indicated that all players who participated in the Ashes will follow individual treatment plans to ensure proper recovery while also preparing for their next international commitments, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. CA aims for the Ashes players to participate in the BBL as much as possible.
“The BBL 15 season has delivered outstanding cricket and incredible fan experiences, watched by record crowds and broadcast audiences so far,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues.
“We are delighted to have a number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tomorrow night, following their Ashes series victory, and thank them for their commitment to the BBL,” he added.
Cricket Australia’s General Manager, National Teams, Ben Oliver, further expressed, “We are immensely proud of the Australian men’s Test team and their outstanding achievement in winning the Ashes. A five-Test Ashes series is intense. The players and staff deserve great credit for their preparation and management, which has enabled sustained performance through a demanding international schedule.”
“We have worked with each player on individual plans to best support recovery from the Ashes and preparation for upcoming international commitments, including the ICC T20 World Cup. Wherever possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing BBL 15 season over the coming fortnight.”