Australian Test players will rejoin their KFC BBL|15 clubs starting tomorrow, adding star power to a season already experiencing record attendance and viewership through its first 27 matches.
Following their 4–1 Ashes series win, several Test squad members are now available for Big Bash League selection, while others will return in stages or be rested to manage workloads ahead of upcoming international commitments.
Test players available for BBL|15 selection
The following Australian Test players will be available for their respective BBL clubs from tomorrow:
- Alex Carey – Adelaide Strikers
- Brendan Doggett – Melbourne Renegades
- Josh Inglis – Perth Scorchers
- Usman Khawaja – Brisbane Heat
- Marnus Labuschagne – Brisbane Heat
- Todd Murphy – Sydney Sixers
- Steve Smith – Sydney Sixers
- Jake Weatherald – Hobart Hurricanes
- Beau Webster – Hobart Hurricanes
Michael Neser (Brisbane Heat) and Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers) are expected to become available on January 14 and 16 respectively.
Players unavailable due to rest and recovery
Some Ashes regulars will not participate in BBL|15 due to recovery protocols:
- Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars) – bowled the most overs during the Ashes (159.5) and will rest.
- Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers) – series’ leading run scorer will undergo a recovery and prep block for the T20 World Cup.
- Cameron Green – remains uncontracted as he continues recovery from back surgery.
All players will follow individual management plans developed in collaboration with Cricket Australia and their clubs to balance recovery, BBL participation, and national team duties.
BBL|15 continues to break records
The inclusion of Test players comes during a booming season for the KFC BBL, with substantial growth in stadium attendance and TV audiences.
Fans can continue to catch all the action live on Seven, 7plus, Foxtel, and Kayo Sports, with radio coverage on ABC Sport and SEN. Tickets are available via bigbash.com.au.
Cricket Australia welcomes Test stars back into BBL
Alistair Dobson, CA’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, praised the addition of national stars:
“The KFC BBL|15 season has delivered outstanding cricket and incredible fan experiences, watched by record crowds and broadcast audiences so far. We are delighted to have a number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tomorrow night off the back of their Ashes series victory.”
Ben Oliver, CA’s General Manager of National Teams, highlighted the balance between recovery and domestic contribution:
“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 KFC BBL|15 season over the coming fortnight.”
