BBL 2026: After successfully retaining the Ashes with a 4-1 triumph at home against England, most members of the Australian Test squad are set to return to Big Bash League action starting Saturday.
The majority of the Ashes-winning players will turn out for their respective BBL teams as the domestic T20 season heats up following the conclusion of the five-match Test series.
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Not everyone from the Test squad will be available straight away. Opener Travis Head, pacer Scott Boland, spinner Nathan Lyon, and all-rounder Cameron Green will not feature at this stage.
Head and Boland have been rested due to workload management, Lyon is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Green does not have a BBL contract this season.
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Usman Khawaja, who retired from international cricket after the fifth and final Test in Sydney, will return to domestic action alongside Marnus Labuschagne. The duo will represent the Brisbane Heat in their clash against the Sydney Thunder.
Meanwhile, pacer Brendan Doggett, who featured only in the first two Tests of the Ashes, will join Melbourne Renegades for their match against the Melbourne Stars later on the same day.
Sunday Fixtures Bring More Star Power
Sunday promises more excitement with several high-profile names entering the fray. Steve Smith, who captained Australia in four of the five Tests, will be available for the Sydney Sixers when they take on Hobart Hurricanes. Spinner Todd Murphy will also be part of the Sixers squad.
The Hurricanes will be boosted by the presence of all-rounder Beau Webster and potentially opener Jake Weatherald for the contest.
Starc Set for Long-Awaited BBL Return
Pacer Mitchell Starc, who was named the Ashes ‘Player Of The Series’ for taking 31 wickets, will sit out for a few more days. He is expected to join the Sydney Sixers next Friday for the Sydney derby.
That appearance will mark the end of his decade-long absence from the Big Bash League, a return many fans have been eagerly waiting for.
More Players to Join as the Week Progresses
Fast bowler Michael Neser will become available for the Brisbane Heat from Wednesday when the team travels to face the Hobart Hurricanes.
There is also a strong chance of seeing wicketkeeper-batters Alex Carey for Adelaide Strikers and Josh Inglis for Perth Scorchers in action, along with pacer Jhye Richardson, during Sunday’s clash between the two sides.
Injured Players Ruled Out of BBL Action
However, not all Test regulars will feature this season. Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are not expected to play in the BBL as they continue their recovery.
Cummins is managing a back issue, while Hazlewood is dealing with hamstring and Achilles issues. Both are focusing on regaining full fitness ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
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Australian Test Players Set To Feature In BBL After Ashes Triumph
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser (Brisbane Heat); Brendan Doggett (Melbourne Renegades); Steve Smith, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers); Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster (Hobart Hurricanes); Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers); Josh Inglis, Jhye Richardson (Perth Scorchers)
With Ashes celebrations done and dusted, attention now shifts to the fast-paced excitement of the Big Bash League as fans get ready to see Australia’s Test stars back in T20 colours.
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