Australia's Test stars return to BBL

Several members of Australia's Ashes-winning Test squad will return to Big Bash League action from Saturday, giving a timely boost to BBL|15. Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers), Brendan Doggett (Melbourne Renegades), Josh Inglis (Perth Scorchers), Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne (Brisbane Heat), Todd Murphy and Steve Smith (Sydney Sixers), along with Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster (Hobart Hurricanes), will be available for selection from Saturday (January 10) onwards.

Michael Neser (Brisbane Heat) and Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers) are also set to join the league later. Neser is expected to be available from January 14 and Starc from January 16.

Meanwhile, Scott Boland, Travis Head and Cameron Green will not take part in BBL|15. Boland (Melbourne Stars) and Head (Adelaide Strikers) will undergo short recovery blocks after playing all five Ashes Tests, while Green remains uncontracted as he continues his recovery from major back surgery. Boland bowled the most overs in the Ashes series, finishing with 159.5, while Head was Australia's leading run-scorer.

Cricket Australia said all Test players will follow individual management plans to balance recovery and preparation for upcoming international commitments, including the T20 World Cup, while allowing BBL participation where possible.

"The KFC BBL|15 season has delivered outstanding cricket and incredible fan experiences, watched by record crowds and broadcast audiences so far," said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia's executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues. "We are delighted to have number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tomorrow night off the back of their NRMA Insurance Ashes series victory, and thank them for their commitment to the BBL."

Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia's General Manager, National Teams, added: "We are immensely proud of the Australian Men's Test team and their outstanding result in winning the Ashes. A five-Test match Ashes series is intense. 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 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."