Ashes-winning Australian Test stars return to BBL action

Several members of Australia’s Ashes-winning Test squad are set to return to Big Bash League (BBL) action from Saturday, providing a significant boost to the ongoing BBL 15 season.

From January 10 onwards, a host of Test stars will be available for selection, including 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), as well as Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster (Hobart Hurricanes).

More reinforcements are expected later in the tournament, with Brisbane Heat all-rounder Michael Neser likely to return from January 14, while Sydney Sixers fast bowler Mitchell Starc is set to join the competition from January 16.

However, not all Ashes players will feature in BBL 15. Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars) and Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers) will sit out the tournament as they undergo short recovery blocks after featuring in all five Ashes Tests. 

Cameron Green will also miss the season, remaining uncontracted 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 ended the campaign as Australia’s leading run-scorer.

Cricket Australia confirmed that all Test players will follow individual management plans aimed at balancing recovery and preparation for upcoming international commitments, including the ICC T20 World Cup, while allowing BBL participation where possible.

“The KFC 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 of Big Bash Leagues. 

“We are delighted to have a number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tomorrow night following their NRMA Insurance Ashes series victory, 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, praising the efforts of the Test squad throughout a demanding schedule.

“We are immensely proud of the Australian men’s Test team and their outstanding achievement in winning the Ashes. A five-Test match series is extremely intense, and the players and staff deserve great credit for their preparation and management, which has enabled sustained performance across a full international calendar,” Oliver said.

“We have worked closely with each player on individual plans to 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 KFC BBL 15 season over the coming fortnight.”