After guiding Australia to a 4–1 Ashes series victory over England, star batter Steve Smith is expected to return to Big Bash League (BBL) action, alongside Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, once the Sydney Test concludes, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.
⭐ Ashes stars set for BBL appearances
A number of players from Australia’s Ashes squad are likely to join their respective BBL franchises.
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Mitchell Starc is all set to make a comeback for the Sydney Sixers after 11 years away from the tournament
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Travis Head, however, will skip the BBL, choosing rest before the T20 World Cup 2026
Head finished the Ashes as leading run-scorer with 629 runs, including three centuries, and has opted to manage his workload ahead of a busy international schedule.
🚫 Players opting out
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Scott Boland, the third-highest wicket-taker in the Ashes with 20 wickets, will not represent the Melbourne Stars
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Cameron Green is also set to take a break from cricket
🏏 Smith and Starc availability details
Smith, who smashed an unbeaten 121 against the Perth Scorchers and a half-century during last season’s brief stint, is expected to be available for the final three league matches for the Sydney Sixers, beginning with Sunday’s clash against the Hobart Hurricanes.
The Sixers currently sit fourth on the table with four wins and three losses, chasing a spot in the finals.
Starc is likely to feature in fixtures against:
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Sydney Thunder
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Brisbane Heat on January 16 and 18
Starc had retired from T20I cricket last year.
🌏 Australia’s road to T20 World Cup
Before the T20 World Cup, Australia will play a three-match T20I series in Pakistan. Players will travel in stages depending on how deep their BBL teams progress.
The T20I squad for Pakistan is yet to be announced but is expected to include additional names beyond the 15-member World Cup squad led by Mitchell Marsh.
📅 BBL player availability from January 10
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Alex Carey – Adelaide Strikers
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Brendan Doggett – Melbourne Renegades
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Josh Inglis – Perth Scorchers
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Usman Khawaja – Brisbane Heat
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Marnus Labuschagne – Brisbane Heat
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Todd Murphy – Sydney Sixers
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Steven Smith – Sydney Sixers
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Jake Weatherald – Hobart Hurricanes
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Beau Webster – Hobart Hurricanes
