Some of Australia’s leading pacers, including Test captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, can participate in the Big Bash League starting December 15 after signing up as supplementary players.
After skipping it the last season owing to Test commitments, Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood have opened up the possibility of appearing in the marquee domestic T20 event.
“Hazlewood and Starc have signed for Sydney Sixers under the league’s marquee supplementary player rule, while Cummins will be in Sydney Thunder’s auxiliary list,” ‘cricket.com.au’ reported.
The supplementary list allows Big Bash clubs to rope in centrally contracted Australian players if they are available.
“Mitch and Josh are both foundation members of our club and have been a part of the Sixers for a long time, so any opportunity for us to engage them throughout the season is a win for our club and a win for our fans,” said Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes.
“Both of the guys have great relationships with (coach) Greg (Shipperd) and the playing group, and having them involved in any capacity will always be a boost for our group,” he added.
The pace trio is currently involved in a high-intensity five-Test series (Border-Gavaskat Trophy) against India at home, tied at 1-1 after the first two games.
The Australian team will be due to play in Sri Lanka in late January for a two-Test engagement. The results would be crucial to the side’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final in June next year.
