Australia’s Head to skip Big Bash to prepare for T20 World Cup
Selected players from Australia‘s Ashes squad – including stand-in captain Steve Smith – will play in the Big Bash from this weekend, but batsman Travis Head will play no part.
Smith, wicketkeeper Alex Carey and batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja are among the players that will return this weekend and be available for their sides’ final three group games and the play-offs.
Bowlers Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc will be available for Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers from the 14 and 16 January respectively meaning they can play in two group matches.
Head has been rested before February’sT20 World Cup, while speed bowler Scott Boland will also play no part.
All-rounder Cameron Green will also not feature as he is not signed to any side.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon all missed out as they continue to recover from injuries.
From Saturday, 10 January
Melbourne Renegades: Brendan Doggett
From Sunday, 11 January
Sydney Sixers:Steve Smith, Todd Murphy
Hobart Storm
Adelaide Strikers: Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers)
Perth Scorchers:Josh Inglis(Perth Scorchers)
From Wednesday, 14 January
Brisbane Heat: Michael Neser
From Friday, 16 January:
Sydney Sixers: Mitchell Starc
Not available
Nathan Lyon(hamstring injury), Scott Boland and Travis Head(both managed), Cameron Green(uncontracted)
Test stars Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will switch from the longest format to the shortest tomorrow when they suit-up for their first games of the KFC Big Bash League season.
Fresh from Australia‘s 4-1 Ashes triumph in Sydney yesterday, the batting pair were named this afternoon in the Heat’s 14-player squad for tomorrow’s crunch match against the Sydney Thunder at the Gabba.
Pace bowler Michael Neser, who played three Tests in the series taking 15 wickets at 19.93, will miss the Thunder game as he takes a short break ahead of next weeks’ BBL games against the Hobart Hurricanes (Jan 14) and Sydney Sixers (Jan 18).
Khawaja will captain the side, which also features Pakistan paceman Zaman Khan, who will become the 99th capped player in the club’s history when he takes the field as the International replacement player for Shaheen Shah Afridi.
This BBL Technical Committee has approved multiple changes in the Heat squad, with Local Replacement Players Jack Wood and Liam Haskett out of the squad and Lachlan Hearne omitted.
All three were part of the Brisbane squad for their last game, the tight loss to the Sixers in Coffs Harbour.
Khawaja, Labuschanne and Khan are the approved squad inclusions.
Tomorrow’s game also doubles as the Road Safety Cup which is contested on an yearly basis against the Sydney Thunder and is designed to raise awareness about road safety during peak holiday times.
The Road Safety Cup started in 2023 as a unique opportunity for both clubs to unite in their promotion of road safety.
Tomorrow’s sold-out Gabba match will also recognize the vital role that first responders play when it comes to road safety.
Heat wicket-keeper Jimmy Peirson and Sydney Thunder spinner Chris Green will each wear player shirt number ‘0’ tomorrow. This represents the shared vision of achieving zero road deaths.
Tomorrow’s game begins at 3pm Qld time and is a FOX and Kayo exclusive
Australian opener Travis Head will skip the Big Bash League (BBL) for a third straight season to rest and prepare for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Friday.
Head was a key figure in Australia‘s 4-1 Ashes victory against England, the left-hander finishing as the leading scorer of the series with 629 runs from five tests.
Cameron Green will also be missing from the BBL after playing three Tests against England. The all-rounder, who does not have a BBL contract, is working to return to full fitness ahead of the World Cup after undergoing major back surgery in late 2024.
The board did not elaborate on World Cup squad members Pat Cummins (back) and Josh Hazlewood (hamstring) but the recovering pace duo are unlikely to be risked ahead of the global showcase.
We have worked with each player on individual plans to best support recovery from the Ashes and preparation for forthcoming international commitments including the ICCT20 World Cup.
“Wherever possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing BBL season over the coming night.”
Australia will commence their bid for a second T20 World Cup in a Group B match against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.
The board did not elaborate on World Cup squad members Pat Cummins (back) and Josh Hazlewood (hamstring) but the recovering pace duo are unlikely to be risked ahead of the global showcase.
“A five-test match Ashes series is intense,” said CA general manager, national teams, Ben Oliver.
“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.
Australia will begin their bid for a second T20 World Cup in a Group B match against Ireland in Colombo on February 11. AFP
Wherever possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing BBL season over the coming night.”
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