Australian Test players to bolster BBL clubs

The BBL 14 season, which has experienced significant attendance and audience growth through the first 25 games, will be bolstered by the inclusion of Australian Test squad members from Tuesday, January 7.

Sean Abbott (Sydney Sixers), Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers), Sam Konstas (Sydney Thunder), Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers), Jhye Richardson (Perth Scorchers) and Beau Webster (Melbourne Stars) are available for the remainder of the BBL season.

Remaining Test squad members will follow individual management plans over the coming weeks, which have been jointly formed with players and Cricket Australia to best prepare them for upcoming international cricket commitments after the arduous Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Steve Smith (Sydney Sixers) will be available for three matches from Saturday, January 11.

Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne (Brisbane Heat) will be available for their side’s final home game on Thursday, January 16 at the Gabba only.

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Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars), Pat Cummins (Sydney Thunder), Josh Hazlewood (Sydney Sixers), Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers), Nathan Lyon (Melbourne Renegades), Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers) will not take part in this season.

“The BBL 14 season has delivered outstanding cricket and incredible fan experiences, watched by record crowds and broadcast audiences so far. We are delighted to have number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tonight off the back of their historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory, and thank them for their commitment to the BBL," said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues.

Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, National Teams, also complimented the Test team for their BGT 2024-25 victory and highlighted the importance of managing player workloads.

“We are immensely proud of the Australian Men’s Test team and their outstanding result in re-claiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and qualifying for consecutive ICC World Test Championship finals.

“A five-Test match series is gruelling, and this was amplified by the intensity of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The players and staff deserve great credit for their preparation and management which has enabled sustained performance through what is a full international schedule.

“We have worked with each player to form individualised plans which will best support recovery from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and preparation for upcoming international commitments including the tour of Sri Lanka and ICC Champions Trophy. Wherever possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing BBL season over the coming fortnight.”