Aussie Test Heroes Set to Shine in BBL Post-Ashes Glory

After successfully securing a 4-1 victory over England at home in the Ashes series, most of the Australian Test team will rejoin the Big Bash League (BBL) on Saturday.

Except for opener Travis Head, pacer Scott Boland, spinner Nathan Lyon, and all-rounder Cameron Green, the rest of the team members will participate in the domestic T20 competition. Head and Boland are taking time off due to workload management, Lyon is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Green does not have a BBL contract.

Usman Khawaja, who has retired from international cricket following the final Test in Sydney, and Marnus Labuschagne, will join the Brisbane Heat for their match against the Sydney Thunder. Pacer Brendan Doggett, who only played the first two Tests, will be part of the Melbourne Renegades squad facing the Melbourne Stars later that day.

On Sunday, Steve Smith, who captained Australia in four Tests, and spinner Todd Murphy, will be available for the Sydney Sixers’ match against the Hobart Hurricanes, which will feature all-rounder Beau Webster and potentially opener Jake Weatherald.

Mitchell Starc, named the Ashes ‘Player Of The Series’ after taking 31 wickets, will rest before joining the Sixers for the next Friday’s Sydney derby, marking his return to the BBL after a decade-long hiatus.

Fast bowler Michael Neser will be available for the Heat starting Wednesday when they play against the Hobart Hurricanes. Wicketkeeper-batters Alex Carey from the Adelaide Strikers and Josh Inglis of the Perth Scorchers, along with pacer Jhye Richardson of the Perth Scorchers, might also feature in Sunday’s clash between the two sides.

However, fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are not expected to participate in the BBL as they recover from their injuries, aiming to be fit for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Australian Test Players Joining the BBL After Ashes Victory:

• 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)

Published on January 9, 2026.