Key Australian players to miss out on BBL finals following selection in national team

Over the years, there has often been a debate around Cricket Australia creating a window during Big Bash League. While India doesn’t play any cricket during the IPL season, the same doesn’t take place in the case of BBL. Now with Australia scheduled to play a Twenty20 Tri-series, some players are all set to miss the crucial finals encounter in the ongoing BBL.

The Australian squad for the series against England and New Zealand was announced today. The likes of D’Arcy Short, Alex Carey and Ashton Agar will be missing the BBL final as a result. While the Test and ODI players will be back in action, the franchisees will be missing some valuable T20 players.

It’s just the nature of cricket at the moment with the way the schedule is

There have been quite a few voices raised regarding the same. While players have to honour their national commitments, the clubs have to miss out on those who played the entire season. Australian T20 selector Mark Waugh remarked that while it wasn’t ideal, he would like to see them playing the BBL. He admitted that the scheduling was difficult and CA would work around soon.

“I don’t think it’s ideal. You’ve got to ask people way above me why that’s not the case. Obviously, the scheduling is so difficult. In an ideal world, you would love to have the Australian players playing in the (BBL) semis and the finals. It’s just the nature of cricket at the moment with the way the schedule is. I’m sure CA would want to have them there but just at the moment it can’t happen.” He was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

How has the Australian squad selection affected the BBL teams

Adelaide Strikers are going to miss key players like Alex Carey and Billy Stanlake in their lineup. They’ve already been without the services of Travis Head who was a part of the ODI team. Hobart Hurricanes are expected to lose D’Arcy Short who has displayed tremendous form so far.

If Andrew Tye’s absence wasn’t bad enough, the Perth Scorchers will also have to fill in for Ashton Agar now. Melbourne Renegades who have been without Aaron Finch will now let go of Kane Richardson. While Sydney Thunders remain unaffected by the selections, Brisbane Heat too wouldn’t mind Chris Lynn going out since he was unavailable mostly.

Here’s the list of players missing out from each BBL team as a result of the Tri Series

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye

Adelaide Strikers: Alex Carey, Travis Head, Billy Stanlake

Hobart Hurricanes: D’Arcy Short

Melbourne Renegades: Aaron Finch, Kane Richardson

Brisbane Heat: Chris Lynn

Sydney Thunders: NIL