After securing a commanding 4–1 Ashes series victory, Steve Smith and several other members of Australia’s Test side are shifting their focus immediately to the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), bolstering their respective teams as the tournament enters its business end this weekend.
Along with Smith, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are both in line to feature for their respective franchises. The most notable return is Mitchell Starc, who is set to appear in the tournament for the first time in 11 years. Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers), Todd Murphy (Sixers), Brendan Doggett (Melbourne Renegades), Josh Inglis (Perth Scorchers), Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster (Hobart Hurricanes) are also set to bolster their BBL squads.
Travis Head, who was the leading run-scorer in the Ashes, is set to skip the BBL again to focus on recovery and preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka beginning February 7. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser are expected to slot in later as recovery plans take centre stage.