The Big Bash League (BBL) is about to feel like a completely different tournament. Fresh off a historic 4-1 Ashes triumph over England, several members of Australia’s Test squad are set to return to BBL action from Saturday. This would inject serious star power into the back half of the season. With global attention already on the presence of Babar Azam, the arrival of names like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and soon Mitchell Starc will prove beneficial for Cricket Australia (CA).
Saturday’s fixtures will mark the first wave. Khawaja and Labuschagne will turn out for Brisbane Heat against Sydney Thunder, while Brendan Doggett joins Melbourne Renegades and Alex Carey lines up for Adelaide Strikers. On Sunday, the spotlight shifts to the SCG as Steve Smith and Todd Murphy become available for the Sydney Sixers, just as the Hobart Hurricanes welcome back Beau Webster and potentially Jake Weatherald.
Starc’s long-awaited BBL return
The most anticipated return, though, belongs to Mitchell Starc. The Ashes Player of the Series, who claimed 31 wickets across five Tests, will rejoin the Sixers on January 16 for the Sydney derby, ending a remarkable decade-long absence from the BBL. He last featured in the league way back in the 2014/15 season, where he also played just two games.
Michael Neser, who has 115 BBL wickets to his name, the most among any Australian in the current Test squad, will be available for Brisbane Heat from January 14. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis and Jhye Richardson are set to strengthen the Perth Scorchers this weekend. Inglis has played one game for the Scorchers this season.
Ashes Players Returning to BBL Franchises
| Player | BBL Team |
|---|---|
| Usman Khawaja | Brisbane Heat |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Brisbane Heat |
| Michael Neser | Brisbane Heat |
| Brendan Doggett | Melbourne Renegades |
| Steve Smith | Sydney Sixers |
| Todd Murphy | Sydney Sixers |
| Mitchell Starc | Sydney Sixers |
| Jake Weatherald | Hobart Hurricanes |
| Beau Webster | Hobart Hurricanes |
| Alex Carey | Adelaide Strikers |
| Josh Inglis | Perth Scorchers |
| Jhye Richardson | Perth Scorchers |
Cricket Australia has confirmed that every Test player is operating under individual management plans, balancing recovery from the Ashes with preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. That’s why a few big names will miss out. Travis Head and Scott Boland are undergoing short recovery blocks, Nathan Lyon is managing a hamstring issue, and Cameron Green remains sidelined following major back surgery. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also unavailable as they continue their own injury rehabilitation.
BBL Points Table
| Teams | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hobart Hurricanes | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 10 | +0.187 |
| 2. Perth Scorchers | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 8 | +1.094 |
| 3. Melbourne Stars | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 8 | +0.722 |
| 4. Sydney Sixers | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 8 | +0.458 |
| 5. Adelaide Strikers | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +0.016 |
| 6. Melbourne Renegades | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | -0.471 |
| 7. Brisbane Heat | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 | -0.773 |
| 8. Sydney Thunder | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 2 | -1.255 |
