[VIDEOS] Hobart Hurricanes (185/3) defeat Sydney Thunders (182/7) by 7 wickets in the final of the14th Edition of BBL to claim their maiden title

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Countdown begins to KFC BBL|14 and Weber WBBL|10 Drafts

The world’s best players will begin signalling their intent to play in the Big Bash Leagues from today, with nominations for the KFC BBL|14 and Weber WBBL|10 Overseas Player Drafts now open.

The Drafts will see clubs add international firepower to their domestic rosters in their quest for Big Bash titles.

Now into its third year, the BBL Draft attracted over 300 nominations in each of its first two iterations, while the inaugural WBBL Draft last year saw 122 players nominate.

More players could be drafted this year - for BBL|14 and WBBL|10, Clubs can take up to four overseas players by the completion of the Draft, an increase from three in previous seasons. The fourth player would be considered a Replacement Player for a Primary Squad member.

This quartet of overseas talent can be made up of drafted players, plus those signed before the event under the League’s new multi-year contract provision.

Clubs can sign a maximum of one overseas player per competition for up to three years prior to the Draft. These players do not need to enter the nominations pool, but all others hopeful of being drafted must nominate prior to the event.

The first group of player nominations will be announced soon, alongside a date and broadcast details for the Drafts.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:

“The appeal of an Australian summer has made the KFC BBL and Weber WBBL destinations of choice for the world’s best players for over a decade."

“Off the back of a successful 2023-24 summer, which saw growth in crowds and audiences alongside exciting cricket, we know many of these players can’t wait to return this summer."

“We look forward to welcoming nominations from Big Bash favourites and new faces alike ahead of the Drafts later in the year.”

The contracting window for KFC BBL|14 and Weber WBBL|10 is now open. Clubs can sign and trade domestic players, and sign one international per list on a multi-year contract.

Current squads for both Leagues are below.

KFC BBL|14 squads

Adelaide Strikers: James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Brendan Doggett, D’Arcy Short, Matt Short, Jake Weatherald

Brisbane Heat: Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, James Pierson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson

Hobart Hurricanes: Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Patrick Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Macalister Wright

Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Nathan Lyon, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Adam Zampa

Melbourne Stars: Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner

Sydney Sixers: Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk

Sydney Thunder: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Oliver Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Nathan McAndrew, William Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha

Weber WBBL|10 squads

Adelaide Strikers: Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Katie Mack, Tahlia McGrath, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington

Brisbane Heat: Laura Harris, Ellie Johnston, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Georgia Redmayne

Hobart Hurricanes: Heather Graham, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Amy Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman

Melbourne Renegades: Josie Dooley, Ella Hayward, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Courtney Webb

Melbourne Stars: Sophie Day, Nicole Faltum, Kim Garth, Meg Lanning, Annabel Sutherland

Perth Scorchers: Chloe Ainsworth, Stella Campbell, Piepa Cleary, Maddy Darke, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Chloe Piparo

Sydney Sixers: Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Kate Pelle, Ellyse Perry, Kate Peterson

Sydney Thunder: Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Saskia Horley, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Claire Moore, Tahlia Wilson
 
I think Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris will both get a chance to play in BBL 14.
 
Cricket Australia reveals fixtures for 2024/25 Big Bash League

Australia’s Test stars could be available for the final three weeks of next summer’s Big Bash League in a massive boost for the domestic T20 tournament.

Cricket Australia unveiled the schedule for the 14th edition of the BBL on Friday morning, with the 44-match competition getting underway on Sunday, December 15.

During the regular season, Big Bash matches have been scheduled on every evening except Christmas and Christmas Eve, with the tournament wrapping up within the school holidays.

Adelaide Oval will once again host the annual New Year’s Fixture with the Strikers taking on the Perth Scorchers on December 31, while the two Melbourne derbies are scheduled for January 4 (MCG) and January 12 (Docklands).

The final will take place on Monday, January 27, the day after the Australian Open concludes in Melbourne.

Australia’s final match of the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India will be the New Year’s Test in Sydney, which concludes on Tuesday, January 7.

Courtesy of the competition’s marquee supplementary player rule, Australia’s Test players should be available to join the BBL for its closing stages pending fitness and workload management.

As of last season, each franchise can sign two nationally-contracted players that have limited availability without taking up one of the spots on their 18-man roster.

Usman Khawaja (Brisbane Heat), Nathan Lyon (Melbourne Renegades), Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars) and Mitch Marsh (Scorchers) have already penned deals ahead of the 2024/25 season, while Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are out of contract with the Heat and Sydney Sixers respectively.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc has not played a Big Bash game in nearly a decade, a drought that could end in January.

“This is a brilliant schedule for fans, with uninterrupted action every night of the regular season and all the marquee games our fans love,” CA’s Head of Big Bash League Alistair Dobson said in a statement.

“We also can’t wait to welcome back members of the Australian Test team once again in January, taking advantage of a bigger window following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series.

“The shift to an optimised competition length last season, together with the recruitment of world class players, led to incredible crowds and experiences off the field and cricket on it. We can’t wait to see that grow in BBL|14.”

The Big Bash’s new multi-year contract option, which allows players to negotiate with teams directly rather than nominating for the draft, has already seen the likes of wicketkeeper Sam Billings and all-rounder Tom Curran commit to the entire tournament.

However, the BBL is still expected to lose several overseas players to rival T20 leagues for the second half of the competition, with the United Arab Emirates’ ILT20 commencing on January 11 and South Africa’s SA20 getting underway on January 9.

BBL Fixtures for 2024/25 season

All times local

Sunday, December 15, 2024 — Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium, 4:15PM

Monday, December 16, 2024 — Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades at the SCG, 7.15pm

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 — Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers at Manuka Oval, 7:15pm

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 — Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat at the MCG, 7:15pm

Thursday, December 19, 2024 — Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes at GMHBA Stadium, 7.15pm

Friday, December 20, 2024 — Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars at Adelaide Oval, 6.45pm

Saturday, December 21, 2024 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers at Blundstone Arena, 4pm

Saturday, December 21, 2024 — Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers at ENGIE Stadium, 7.15pm

Sunday, December 22, 2024 — Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba, 6.15pm

Monday, December 23, 2024 — Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers at Marvel Stadium, 7:15pm

Thursday, December 26, 2024 — Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars at the SCG, 6.05pm

Thursday, December 26, 2024 — Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium, 6:15pm

Friday, December 27, 2024 — Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes at Adelaide Oval, 6:45pm

Saturday, December 28, 2024 — Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval, 7:15PM

Sunday, December 29, 2024 — Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers at the Gabba, 6:15pm

Monday, December 30, 2024 — Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades at ENGIE Stadium, 7:15PM

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 — Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers at Adelaide Oval, 6:45pm

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers, Blundstone Arena, 4pm

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 — Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars at the Gabba, 6:15pm

Thursday, January 2, 2025 — Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers at Marvel Stadium, 7:15pm

Friday, January 3, 2025 — Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, 6:05pm

Friday, January 3, 2025 — Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Thunder at Optus Stadium, 6.15pm

Saturday, January 4, 2025 — Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades at the MCG, 7:15pm

Sunday, January 5, 2025 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers at Blundstone Arena, 7:15pm

Monday, January 6, 2025 — Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder at the Gabba, 6.15pm

Tuesday, January 7, 2025 — Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades at Optus Stadium, 4.15pm

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 — Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes at ENGIE Stadium, 7:15pm

Thursday, January 9, 2025 — Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Sixers at the MCG, 7:15pm

Friday, January 10, 2025 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena, 7:15pm

Saturday, January 11, 2025 — Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers at the SCG, 4:45pm

Saturday, January 11, 2025 — Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval, 7:30pm

Sunday, January 12, 2025 — Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars at Marvel Stadium, 7:15pm

Monday, January 13, 2025 — Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers at ENGIE Stadium, 7:30pm

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 — Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Renegades, Blundstone Arena, 7:30pm

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 — Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval, 7pm

Thursday, January 16, 2025 — Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba, 6.30pm

Friday, January 17, 2025 — Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder at the SCG, 7:15pm

Saturday, January 18, 2025 — Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat at Marvel Stadium, 5pm

Saturday, January 18, 2025 — Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium, 5.15pm

Sunday, January 19, 2025 — Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG, 7.15pm

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 — The Qualifier (TBC)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 — The Knockout (TBC)

Friday, January 24, 2025 — The Challenger (TBC)

Monday, January 27, 2025 — The Final (TBC)

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 — Reserve Day (TBC)

SOURCE: https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...e/news-story/0c662e663e9acc7f38cca18d6d63eb3f
 
Global stars nominate for Big Bash Drafts

A cast of top-tier global talent is set to land in the KFC BBL|14 and Weber WBBL|10, with the first list of nominations for both Overseas Player Drafts announced today.

The initial list has been published on the eve of the League’s Tickets on Sale launch. From tomorrow, fans around the country can secure their seats to every BBL and WBBL game at early bird prices.

The 10 nominations announced today for each of the BBL|14 and WBBL|10 Drafts are below.

KFC BBL|14 Draft first nominations:

Name Country Retention eligible

Laurie Evans England Yes (Perth Scorchers)

Lockie Ferguson New Zealand No

Alex Hales England Yes (Sydney Thunder)

Shamar Joseph West Indies No

Shadab Khan Pakistan No

Jamie Overton England Yes (Adelaide Strikers)

Haris Rauf Pakistan Yes (Melbourne Stars)

Jason Roy England No

Mujeeb Ur Rahman Afghanistan Yes (Melbourne Renegades)

James Vince England Yes (Sydney Sixers)

Weber WBBL|10 Draft first nominations:


Name Country Retention eligible

Suzie Bates New Zealand Yes (Sydney Sixers)

Alice Capsey England Yes (Melbourne Stars)

Sophie Ecclestone England Yes (Sydney Sixers)

Shabnim Ismail South Africa Yes (Hobart Hurricanes)

Harmanpreet Kaur India Yes (Melbourne Renegades)

Heather Knight England Yes (Sydney Thunder)

Jemimah Rodrigues India No

Deepti Sharma India No

Laura Wolvaardt South Africa Yes (Adelaide Strikers)

Danni Wyatt England Yes (Perth Scorchers)
 
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Final nominations confirmed for Big Bash Drafts

August 28, 2024

Two high quality player pools for Sunday’s KFC BBL|14 and Weber WBBL|10 Drafts have been finalised, with 593 players nominating for selection across both Drafts.

Additionally, a full cast of 16 pre-signed players across both competitions has been confirmed, while the League has ratified a final trade of Draft Picks between two clubs.

Nominations

The complete lists of 432 BBL|14 and 161 WBBL|10 Draft nominees can be downloaded here. The lists are also available via the Big Bash App.

Headlining the final release of players are a host of English stars including Kate Cross, Ben Duckett, Lauren Filer and Reece Topley, alongside South Africa’s Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Lungi Ngidi and Rassie van der Dussen.

The final list follows a progressive release of players over the past week via the Big Bash App. These players include those eligible for retention, plus players from India (WBBL only), New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies.

England’s Zak Crawley and Dani Gibson have withdrawn their nominations after previously being published.

In all, 30 countries are represented across the nominations, emphasising the Big Bash’s global appeal.

Pre-signed players

All clubs have signed and announced one BBL and WBBL overseas player ahead of the drafts, under a new mechanism introduced this year.

The players, each signed for between one and three years, are:

Club BBL WBBL

Adelaide Strikers Ollie Pope Smriti Mandhana

Brisbane Heat Colin Munro Nadine de Klerk

Hobart Hurricanes Chris Jordan Lizelle Lee

Melbourne Renegades Tim Seifert Hayley Matthews

Melbourne Stars Tom Curran Marizanne Kapp

Perth Scorchers Finn Allen Sophie Devine

Sydney Sixers Akeal Hosein Amelia Kerr

Sydney Thunder Sam Billings Chamari Athapaththu

Pre-signed players must be selected by their club during the Draft with a pick that matches the salary band of their playing contract.

Under the Draft rules, clubs with a pre-signed player must select a minimum of two additional players in the Draft. Given all pre-signed slots have been filled, all clubs can now only pass on a maximum of one pick in the Draft.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:

“The KFC BBL|14 and Weber WBBL|10 Drafts have attracted another outstanding pool of overseas players, ensuring an exciting Draft day awaits on Sunday.

“The nominations continue to grow in quality and quantity every year, emphasising the Big Bash’s status as destinations of choice for players the world over.

“These are supplemented by 16 top pre-signed players who have committed their long-term futures to our Leagues, a great result for fans and clubs alike.

“We thank the players and their agents from around the world for commitment to the Big Bash Leagues, and overseas boards for their support and cooperation.”

Pick trades

Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades have agreed a Pick trade ahead of the WBBL|10 Draft.

The Strikers have traded Picks 19 and 30 to the Renegades, receiving Picks 22 and 27 in return.

The final order of selections for both Drafts can be viewed below.
 
After 1st round, here is what the team picks are:

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Full squads: Every club's list (so far) for BBL|14

Adelaide Strikers

Head coach:
Tim Paine

Contracted for BBL|14: Fabian Allen (West Indies), James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Chris Lynn, Jamie Overton (England), Lloyd Pope, Ollie Pope (England), Alex Ross, D'Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald

Ins: Jordan Buckingham, Ollie Pope (England), Alex Ross (Thunder), Fabian Allen (West Indies)

Outs: Wes Agar (Thunder)

BBL|14 Draft selections: Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope (pre-signed), Fabian Allen

Out of contract: Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Ben Manenti, Harry Nielsen

Adelaide Strikers will be treated to a full season of 'Lynnsanity' for the first time with Chris Lynn recommitting for the entire BBL|14 campaign including finals. Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey is also back on board for this summer after signing a mammoth four-year deal to remain with the Strikers until at least BBL|17.

He'll work closely with new head coach Tim Paine who has taken over the top job following Jason Gillespie's resignation from both his Adelaide and South Australia roles to take charge of Pakistan's Test side.

The Strikers secured England Test vice-captain Ollie Pope as their pre-draft signing and speedster Henry Thornton has recommitted on a two-year deal. They've also added emerging SA quick Jordan Buckingham to their list after trading out Wes Agar and their second-round pick to Sydney Thunder to strengthen their draft position, moving up in the order from their 13th selection to the Thunder's pick 11.

At the Draft table, the Strikers used their first two selections to ensure Jamie Overton would return for another year and confirm their pre-signing Pope. They went a bit left-field with the Fabian Allen selection because the squad lacks three dimensional players and Allen can impact at any stage of the match.

Alex Ross, who was out of contract at the Thunder, will also return to where his T20 career began in 2014, signing a two-year deal to join the Strikers until the end of BBL|15, boosting their middle-order depth.

Leggie Cameron Boyce was rewarded with a two-year extension in February after leading the Strikers revival in the second half of last season as the leading spinner in BBL|13 with 14 wickets and an economy rate of 6.92, and his partner in crime Lloyd Pope has signed a three-year extension. The pair helped reverse Adelaide's fortunes last season, sparking a five-game win streak that took the club from the foot of the table into the finals.

Brisbane Heat

Head coach:
Johan Botha

Contracted for BBL|14: Tom Alsop (England), Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro (New Zealand), Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Paul Walter (England)

Ins: Callum Vidler, Tom Alsop (England)

Outs: Josh Brown (Renegades), Sam Billings (Thunder)

BBL|14 Draft selections: Colin Munro (pre-signed), Paul Walter, Tom Alsop

Out of contract: Jack Wildermuth, Jack Wood

Former South African international Johan Botha is the man appointed to lead the Heat's title defence, signing a three-year deal as head coach after Wade Seccombe didn't seek an extension to his Queensland and Brisbane Heat contracts.

Botha's first move was to secure the return of Kiwi journeyman Colin Munro for another two seasons as the club's direct overseas signing. After the losses of Josh Brown to Melbourne Renegades, who was in hot demand following his 57-ball 140 to put the Heat into the final, and Sam Billings to Sydney Thunder, re-signing Munro will help keep some stability at the top of the order for the reigning champions.

Botha takes the reins following title-winning coach Seccombe's resignation in March, with the former Queensland and Heat mentor since joining Brown at the Renegades as their T20 high performance boss.

Apart from Brown, the Heat locked away most of their BBL|13 title-winning squad prior to the end of last season, including Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Xavier Bartlett and Max Bryant who are all staying put until at least the end of BBL|15. They've also added Australia U19 World Cup winner Callum Vidler in a boost to their bowling stocks.

Aussie star Marnus Labuschagne has only ever played for the Heat and will return for a ninth season in BBL|14. Cult hero Paul Walter is also returning while fellow English Draft selection Tom Alsop brings a bit more middle-order grunt and can also keep wickets.

Hobart Hurricanes

Head coach:
Jeff Vaughan

Contracted for BBL|14: Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Shai Hope (West Indies), Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh), Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan (England), Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Mac Wright

Ins: Charlie Wakim, Shai Hope (West Indies), Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh)

BBL|14 Draft selections: Shai Hope, Chris Jordan (pre-signed), Rishad Hossain

Out of contract: Liam Guthrie, Sam Heazlett, Billy Stanlake

Another club with a stable list, the underperforming Hurricanes have secured the return of star England allrounder Chris Jordan as their direct overseas signing on a two-year deal. They've also announced the re-signings of Mac Wright and Nikhil Chaudhary, with emerging quick Iain Carlisle also earning a new two-year deal to bolster an already strong pace attack they hope can deliver that elusive first title.

Windies gun Shai Hope was the Canes' first selection on Draft night and top order consistency is something Hobart have been desperately craving in recent seasons. His arrival could allow the likes of Ben McDermott to drop down the order and have an impact in the middle or end of the innings.

Tall Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain looms as a steal following his exploits at the recent T20 World Cup, but how does he compliment Paddy Dooley and Peter Hatzoglou?

Tasmanian batter Charlie Wakim has also joined the squad for next season after spending the past few summers as a local replacement player, including opening alongside Josh Brown for the Heat when they beat the Strikers in the Challenger.

Melbourne Renegades

Head coach:
Cameron White

Contracted for BBL|14: Jacob Bethell (England), Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Laurie Evans (England), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O'Neill, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert (New Zealand), Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Adam Zampa

Ins: Josh Brown (Heat), Gurinder Sandhu (Thunder), Tim Seifert (New Zealand), Laurie Evans (Scorchers), Jacob Bethell (England)

Outs: Aaron Finch (retired), Shaun Marsh (retired), Nic Maddinson (Thunder), Akeal Hosein (Sixers)

BBL|14 Draft selections: Laurie Evans, Jacob Bethell, Tim Seifert (pre-signed)

Out of contract: Ruwantha Kellapotha, Peter Siddle

Cameron White will lead the Renegades into a new era in BBL|14 after signing a three-year deal to replace David Saker as head coach, who was let go despite having a year to go on his contract following a disappointing campaign where the club returned to the bottom half of the table for the fourth time in five seasons.

The positive is they've secured their future with young talents Jake Fraser-McGurk and Will Sutherland signing on for another four and three years respectively, and they also won the race for the big-hitting Josh Brown, which is timely given the retirements of greats Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh at the end of last season. With the addition of experienced New Zealand 'keeper-batter Tim Seifert as their direct overseas signing on a two-year deal, and the acquisition of Laurie Evans with their platinum draft pick, the Renegades have a top order to be feared. Jacob Bethell meanwhile has a good record as a lower-order hitter too and crucially, unlike the rest of the batters, is a left hander.

They have also injected more experience into their pace attack, signing Queensland quick Gurinder Sandhu after 11 years at the Sydney Thunder, while rising star Fergus O'Neill has penned a two-year deal.

Melbourne Stars

Head coach:
Peter Moores

Contracted for BBL|14: Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Curran (England), Ben Duckett (England), Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Usama Mir (Pakistan), Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster

Ins: Tom Curran (Sixers), Hamish McKenzie (Scorchers), Ben Duckett (England)

Outs: Nick Larkin (retired)

BBL|14 Draft selections: Ben Duckett, Tom Curran (pre-signed), Usama Mir

Out of contract: Joe Burns, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Corey Rocchiccioli

World Cup-bound Aussie Marcus Stoinis has re-committed to the Stars for another three seasons and he could be in line to captain the club in BBL|14 after Glenn Maxwell announced his intention to step down from the role at the end of last season.

Maxwell had captained the club since BBL|08, leading them to the final in both of his first two seasons in charge, but told teammates after their final game of BBL|13 that he wanted to focus on just playing next season.

A big scoop for the Stars saw them lure experienced English allrounder Tom Curran – the league's third most prolific overseas bowler of all-time with 51 wickets – from the Sixers as their direct overseas signing on a two-year deal. They sprang a surprise with their No.1 pick, taking England opener Ben Duckett, who last played BBL with the Heat three seasons ago.

There were positives for the Stars under new coach Peter Moores last season, winning four games on the trot after Christmas to put themselves in contention for finals.

However, three losses to finish saw them slip to sixth and miss the playoffs for a fourth straight year. Pakistan leggie Usama Mir and new recruit Hamish McKenzie bolster the spin stocks after they traded out Adam Zampa prior to last season.

Perth Scorchers

Head coach:
Adam Voges

Contracted for BBL|14: Ashton Agar, Finn Allen (New Zealand), Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matthew Hurst (England), Josh Inglis, Keaton Jennings (England), Matt Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner

Ins: Mahli Beardman, Finn Allen (New Zealand), Matthew Hurst (England), Keaton Jennings (England)

Outs: Hamish McKenzie (Stars), Laurie Evans (Renegades)

BBL|14 Draft selections: Finn Allen (pre-signed), Matthew Hurst, Keaton Jennings

Out of contract: Liam Haskett, Sam Whiteman, Andrew Tye

Perth made a splash in August by recruiting big-hitting New Zealand opener Finn Allen as their direct overseas signing ahead of the September 1 draft on a two-year deal, with full availability. It came after Allen turned down a central contract with the Black Caps to pursue T20 franchise opportunities, and strengthens the one area where the Scorchers had been a little bit susceptible last summer.

It had otherwise s been a quiet off-season for the competition's most successful club who managed to lock away most of their core players before the end of the season. Local boy Nick Hobson returns for BBL|14 as he looks to build on his success as the Scorchers finisher.

Such is the quality of the players in their squad, the Scorchers experienced a salary cap squeeze on draft night, losing out on Laurie Evans as the Renegades were able to offer him a platinum contract. It also saw Perth pass in round two, before landing two value selections in wicketkeeper-bat Matthew Hurst and opening bat Keaton Jennings.

They were hit by injuries in BBL|13 and dearly missed skipper Ashton Turner, who suffered a season ending knee injury before Christmas, but expect the Scorchers to be right up there again next summer. Turner's injury replacement last summer Sam Fanning makes the leap to a full contract after impressing in limited opportunity late in the season and teenage tearaway Mahli Beardman has also been signed for the next two seasons.

Sydney Sixers

Head coach:
Greg Shipperd

Contracted for BBL|14: Sean Abbott, Jafer Chohan (England), Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Akeal Hosein (West Indies), Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, James Vince (England)

Ins: Akeal Hosein (Renegades), Jafer Chohan (England)

Outs: Steve O'Keefe (retired), Tom Curran (Stars)

BBL|14 Draft selections: James Vince, Akeal Hosein (pre-signed), Jafer Chohan

Out of contract: Jackson Bird, Mitch Perry

The Sixers are another club that have continuity with their list, and they received a huge boost for the future in August with Aussie superstar Steve Smith recommitting for another three seasons. The Australian opener will be available for at least three matches in BBL|14 following the conclusion of the Test summer on January 7.

They've also secured Sean Abbott, Todd Murphy, Ben Dwarshuis and Josh Philippe for another two seasons prior to the BBL|13 decider, as well emerging allrounder Jack Edwards for another three. In a big boost, two-time champion James Vince will return too, after the Sixers matched the Renegades' first-round bid for the classy opener.

Veteran batter Daniel Hughes turned down offers from rival teams to re-commit to a club that's "like a family" to him for another season. "We've kept the core of the same group together for a long time ... and we have two special leaders in 'Shippy' (coach Greg Shipperd) and Moises (Henriques)," said the 35-year-old, who notched his 100th BBL appearance last summer.

They'll be looking to West Indian recruit Akeal Hosein – the world's sixth-ranked men's T20I bowler – and young spinners Murphy, Joel Davies and surprise selection Jafer Chohan to continue their development in BBL|14 to help fill the void following the retirement of club legend Steve O'Keefe.

Sydney Thunder

Head coach:
Trevor Bayliss

Contracted for BBL|14: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (England), Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), William Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner

Ins: Wes Agar (Strikers), Sam Billings (Heat), Nic Maddinson (Renegades), Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)

Outs: Alex Ross (Strikers), Gurinder Sandhu (Renegades)

BBL|14 Draft selections: Lockie Ferguson, Sam Billings (pre-signed), Sherfane Rutherford

Out of contract: Liam Doddrell, Blake Nikitaras

A huge coup for the Thunder as they lured English star Sam Billings from the Heat for the next three seasons under the league's new multi-year contracting mechanism for overseas players. He was the first men's player to be signed under the new rule and the 32-year-old will be available for all of the next three seasons, including finals. The club beat several Big Bash rivals as well as UAE and South African T20 franchises in the race for the wicketkeeper-batter's services.

The Thunder had a great night at the Draft, recruiting Kiwi quick Lockie Ferguson at the start and locking in West Indian middle order bat Sherfane Rutherford towards the end.

New general manager Trent Copeland got straight to work following the club's last-place finish in BBL|13, adding depth to the pace stocks by acquiring Wes Agar from the Strikers.

He also secured the key signature of Aussie great David Warner for his first full BBL season following his international retirement, while they secured the signatures of leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha and quicks Daniel Sams and Nathan McAndrew until at least the end BBL|15 during the season.

Head coach Trevor Bayliss has accepted a one-year extension to lead the club in BBL|14 and Copeland declared he expected the experienced mentor to take "the team on an upward trajectory this season", and they've locked in rising talent and recent U19 World Cup winner Sam Konstas on a two-year deal.

SOURCE: CRICKET.COM.AU
 
Player Movement Windows introduced in Big Bash Leagues

November 14, 2024

The Big Bash Leagues will introduce a Player Movement Window, following each of the Weber WBBL|10 and KFC BBL|14 seasons, to assist players and clubs to make earlier contracting decisions.

As well as the introduction of the new Windows, there will be a change to the regular Contracting Embargo periods.

Further details on these adjustments are below.

Player Movement Windows

Windows will be open for 10 days after both the Weber WBBL|10 and KFC BBL|14 Finals, during which time clubs may execute new player contracts in specific circumstances.

Window dates:

WBBL: Monday, December 2, 2024, 9:00am AEDT to Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 5:00pm AEDT.

BBL: Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 9:00am AEDT to Thursday, February 6, 2025, 5:00pm AEDT.

During each Window, clubs can:

Trade a player with another club.

Sign a player from another club who is in the final year of their current contract.

Trade Overseas Player Draft positions as part or independent of player trades.

Clubs may not extend existing player contracts during the Window, including those players in the final year of their current contract. These contracts must be extended prior to the Contracting Embargo, or after it is lifted (see below).

Clubs will be bound by the following maximum list sizes:

WBBL: Up to eight players prior to the Window, and 10 at its completion.

BBL: Up to 10 players prior to the Window, and 12 at its completion.

A club’s pre-signed overseas player will count towards these limits, should they be contracted to the club.

Contracting Embargo

The WBBL and BBL Contracting Embargoes will commence at the end of each League’s home and away season, having previously begun at the start of The Final.

The 10-day Player Movement Window is the only time within the Contracting Embargo period that clubs can add players to their lists.

The League expects the WBBL and BBL contracting embargoes will lift in March 2025. Clubs may then add further players to their lists.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:

“The introduction of Player Movement Windows immediately following the Weber WBBL|10 and KFC BBL|14 seasons will add another strategic dimension to our Leagues.

“The Windows will add certainty and stability for players and clubs at a crucial period in the list management cycle.

“These new milestones on the Big Bash calendar will also increase talkability among our fans, broadcasters and the media as we grow our year-round presence.

“Our thanks go to our Big Bash clubs and the Australian Cricketers’ Association for their collaboration on this project.”
 
'Big three' return to BBL clubs on extended lists

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood added to supplementary lists for BBL|14

Australia's 'big three' fast bowlers will all sit on extended lists for KFC BBL|14, opening the door for a potential return to the nation's domestic T20 competition.

Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have both been signed by Sydney Sixers under the league's marquee supplementary player rule, while Test captain Pat Cummins will again be on the Sydney Thunder's auxiliary list.

While it remains unlikely the trio will play at all in BBL|14 given their heavy international workload, the marquee supplementary list – introduced prior to last season – is a contracting mechanism that makes it easier for Big Bash clubs to bring a centrally contracted Australian player into their squad should circumstances change.

"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.

"Mitch and Josh have been a part of the fabric of our club, and we're excited for them to be back as part of the Sixers family this summer."

Australia will play seven Tests this summer – five against India at home (currently tied at 1-1 after the first two matches) before heading to Sri Lanka in late January for a two-Test tour, with the remaining five matches crucial for World Test Championship final qualification.

Batters Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne (Heat), Steve Smith (Sixers), Travis Head and Alex Carey (Strikers) all hold full Big Bash deals and are likely to be released to their clubs for at least part of the closing stages of the home-and-away season between Test series.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon is also contracted to Melbourne Renegades, and allrounder Mitch Marsh the Perth Scorchers, with their clearance likely to depend on their workloads over the next three Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests.

But with only a three-week break between facing India and Sri Lanka, only slightly longer than the 11 days between the Pakistan and West Indies series earlier this year, it's unlikely the three quicks will feature in BBL|14.

Each club is allocated two marquee supplementary list spots every season, allowing them to sign up to two CA-contracted players with limited availability without taking up the primary spots on their 18-man roster.

They are then able to bring the nationally contracted player into their match-day squad should the chance arise.

Hazlewood is the most recent of the three to feature in the Big Bash and was part of the Sixers side that beat Melbourne Stars to claim the BBL|09 championship.

Cummins played his most recent match for the Thunder a year earlier, claiming 2-28 against Hobart Hurricanes, while Starc hasn't played for the Sixers since December 2014.

Starc and Hazlewood were both inaugural members of the Sixers, with the left-armer playing in the club's BBL|01 title and also lifting the Champions League Twenty20 trophy alongside Hazlewood and Cummins.

Hazlewood was the most expensive Australian buy at last month's Indian Premier League auction after being snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for A$2.29 million.

Starc was also bought by Delhi Capitals for A$2.15m, while Cummins was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad after leading them to this year's final, which they lost to Starc previous franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.

The big three could be a better chance of returning to the Big Bash following next summer's Ashes as part of their preparation for the next T20 World Cup currently slated for February-March 2026.

SOURCE: https://www.cricket.com.au/news/4184294?s=08
 
Sad to see that there are not a lot of Pakistani players here.

Just Usama Mir and Hassan Khan (who is not even available for Pakistan anymore) here.​
 
The KFC BBL|14 season roared to life on Sunday night, with record attendance and viewership for the Perth Scorchers’ victory over the Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium.

A crowd of 30,469 at The Furnace was the highest ever for a BBL opening match, surpassing the 27,676 at Adelaide Oval to begin BBL|04.

It was also just the fourth pre-Christmas match in BBL history to attract over 30,000 fans.

The strong attendance was supported by a combined interim average audience of one million viewers across Seven, 7plus and Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

That audience was the highest for a season opener since BBL|11, and the highest audience for a home and away season match since Boxing Day of BBL|11.

The big BBL opening night viewing audience came as the NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series was regularly attracting average audience of up to 1.4 million viewers across all platforms.

There has also been record single day and total attendances for Tests against India in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

With a further 13 BBL games scheduled immediately after stumps in the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests, fans will be glued to the action from morning into the night.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:

“The opening night of KFC BBL|14 has set the tone for an exciting season ahead, with a record crowd at Optus Stadium and one million viewers tuning in nationally.

“Cricket is truly dominating the airwaves at present, with the NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series and KFC BBL|14 providing a compelling combination for fans across the country.

“We look forward to more unmissable action tonight and beyond, with a further 13 BBL matches directly following days of Test cricket, and 35 of 39 remaining matches in prime time.”
 

‘Can of worms’: Sixers star stumped on solution to void as concerns grow for gun veteran​


Sixers skipper Moises Henriques says Daniel Hughes’ latest injury setback is “very concerning”, but the veteran batter isn’t entirely sold on the idea of introducing a replacement system that would allow teams to sub on like-for-like players.

Hughes came off in the Melbourne Renegades’ innings with a left arm injury having just returned from a broken elbow, and despite hopes he’d be fine to bat, he never came in as the Sixers chased down the target of 170 with nine balls to spare.

Jack Edwards was promoted to No.3 and scored a fluent 37, while Henriques was the star with an unbeaten 53 in the successful chase at the SCG.

But there are serious concerns for Hughes ahead of Saturday’s Sydney Smash, while teammate Hayden Kerr is also in some doubt after he was forced to retire hurt late in the innings with what looked to be a hamstring injury but turned out to be cramp.

"We were hoping it’d go away and he’d be all right,” Henriques said of Kerr’s injury, with Ben Dwarshuis coming in and whacking a 108m six in the penultimate over.

“It seemed like he’d be confident enough and at least try to face the first couple (of balls) and try to get going, but unfortunately he felt like he couldn’t even put any weight on it.

"It’s very concerning about ‘Huey’.

“It was his first game back from his broken arm. I’m not sure what the diagnosis is yet; I’m very hopeful that it’s good, but he wasn’t even able to hold the bat tonight.

“He was trying his best in the change room just to be able to bat or do something, but (he couldn’t).

“It gives you a lot of confidence knowing that you can chase a score down like that without him. We moved Jack up from six to three because he’s batted in the power play and he’s a firm striker of the ball, so I’m confident in the depth.

“But Hughesy is a very classy player and he’s not an easy man to replace.”

osing a player to a pre-existing injury is one thing, but it’s a massive blow to a team to be without a specialist player if they suffer a soft tissue or structural blow during a game.

Someone like Kurtis Patterson could have been subbed in for Hughes given they are very similar players and it wouldn’t have affected the Sixers at all.

But rules only allow for concussions subs, with the BBL getting rid of the X-Factor player in 2022 that stopped teams from bringing someone in after 10 overs of the first innings to replace someone who hadn’t batted or had only bowled one over.

The fear is teams could exploit the rule to bring in someone for a specific purpose, but Henriques says it’s something worth exploring in the future.

"I don’t know what the right answer is there,” he said.

“They’ve opened up some precedent to look into that with the concussion rule. If a player can’t come back on after they’ve been concussed, there’s probably an argument there for them to be able to be replaced if it’s an external injury.

“But you open up a can of worms. You might have a seamer who comes in who’s suited to the first six overs and he’s just got a little bit of a niggle and he decides he doesn’t want to field anymore and then they’ve got a specialist death bowler who comes on and replaces him to bowl his last two overs.

“It’s a tough one. You’ve got to leave it in the hands of the physios and the doctors, but under the pressure of the hierarchy of coaches and managers and performance managers that are desperate to win, whether the integrity holds up, I don’t know what the answer is there.”

 
The best league in the world.

Nice stadiums, very nice fans,intense matches with reasonable contest between bat and ball.
By far the best league.
 
Squad set for Sydney

The Melbourne Stars have named a squad of 13 players for the upcoming match against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Boxing Day.


Squad vs Sixers
Marcus Stoinis, Captain (Scarborough CC, Western Australia)
Hilton Cartwright (South Perth CC, Western Australia)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire CC, UK)
Brody Couch (Scarborough CC, Western Australia)
Tom Curran (Weybridge CC, UK)
Sam Harper (Melbourne CC, Victoria)
Glenn Maxwell (Fitzroy Doncaster CC, Victoria)
Jonathan Merlo (St Kilda CC, Victoria)
Usama Mir (Sialkot Region CC, Pakistan)
Joel Paris (Claremont-Nedlands CC, Western Australia)
Tom Rogers (Ringwood CC, Victoria)
Peter Siddle (Dandenong CC, Victoria)
Doug Warren (Melbourne University CC, Victoria)

Hamish McKenzie has been ruled out of the next two matches due to a rib injury and will be further assessed before the game against the Heat on 1st January.

Beau Webster and Scott Boland are unavailable due to national duty with the Australian test team.

Upcoming Matches
Thursday, 26th December

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars
SCG, Sydney, 6:05pm AEDT
Live on Channel 7, 7 Plus, Foxtel, Kayo, SEN and ABC Radio
Saturday, 28th December
Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder
Manuka Oval, Canberra, 6:05pm AEDT
Live on Foxtel, Kayo, SEN and ABC Radio

Current BBL|14 Squad: Austin Anlezark, Scott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke (ENG), Brody Couch, Tom Curran (ENG), Ben Duckett (ENG), Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Blake Macdonald, Hamish McKenzie, Jonathan Merlo, Adam Milne (NZ), Usama Mir (PAK), Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Doug Warren, Beau Webster

SOURCE: https://www.melbournestars.com.au/news/4190578/squad-set-for-sydney?s=08
 
JFM is such a talented batsman but he is ruinning himslef with blind hitting.
 
A frightening collision occurred between Sydney Thunder’s Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams during the Big Bash League 2024-25 on Friday, resulting in chilling scenes. Sams had to be stretchered off the field at Perth Stadium, while Bancroft, with a bleeding nose, was assisted off the pitch.

The incident took place during the 16th over of the Perth Scorchers’ innings. Lockie Ferguson bowled the second ball to Cooper Connolly, who attempted to send it over square leg. However, he only managed to loft the ball just beyond the 30-yard circle. Bancroft sprinted in from inside the ring, while Sams, coming in from the outside, both kept their eyes on the ball, leading to the unfortunate collision.

 

Retired Christian answers injury-hit Thunder's SOS​


Sydney Thunder call assistant coach Dan Christian into their playing squad to face Brisbane Heat

Champion allrounder Dan Christian has answered the injury-hit Sydney Thunder's SOS and is poised to resurrect his Big Bash career in KFC BBL|14.

Christian, 41, has made himself available as a replacement player for the Thunder's charge towards finals after the club lost Cameron Bancroft (broken nose and fractured shoulder) and Daniel Sams (concussion) following a sickening collision in their previous match.

With Nic Maddinson (finger) already ruled out for the season and Jason Sangha (bicep), Nathan McAndrew (shoulder) and Tanveer Sangha (side strain) also sidelined, the Thunder have been forced to look to their coaching staff to bolster their roster.

Christian has been serving as an assistant coach at the Thunder for the past two seasons after calling time on a decorated top-level playing career following the Sydney Sixers' BBL|12 campaign.

But the prolific championship-winning allrounder – who has been part of nine T20 titles during his career – flagged an interest in a Big Bash return last November after starring for Australia at a Hong Kong Sixes tournament.

Christian has also performed strongly in NSW Premier Cricket this summer and has featured in Legends T20 tournaments since his retirement.

The right-hander has played three matches for club side University of NSW, slamming scores of 130, 72 and 68, while also collecting seven wickets at 12 in three matches.

Christian's most recent Big Bash appearance was the BBL|12 Challenger final at the SCG against Brisbane Heat and he could face the same opponent on Monday night at the Gabba after being named in the Thunder's 14-player squad.

"I'm fully committed to my coaching role with the team and have really enjoyed working with the squad we have here at Sydney Thunder for BBL|14," Christian said today.

"I made the decision during the off-season that a return to the BBL or any other T20 leagues was never entirely off the table for me.

"I've been playing NSW Premier Cricket with UNSW Cricket Club and training hard. The body feels great, and I wanted to ensure I was prepared if an opportunity arose.

"The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was extremely unfortunate, but I'm really grateful for the opportunity it's presented.

"I made the decision during the off-season that a return to the BBL or any other T20 leagues was never entirely off the table for me.

"I've been playing NSW Premier Cricket with UNSW Cricket Club and training hard. The body feels great, and I wanted to ensure I was prepared if an opportunity arose.

"The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was extremely unfortunate, but I'm really grateful for the opportunity it's presented.

Copeland previously said Bancroft would most likely miss the rest of the BBL|14 campaign after fracturing his right scapula and nose, while Sams will miss at least four matches due to Cricket Australia concussion protocols.

While not named in the squad to face the Heat, the Thunder will be boosted by the return of teenage Test opener Sam Konstas in coming days following Australia's 3-1 triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series on Sunday.

Konstas' Under-19 World Cup-winning skipper Hugh Weibgen has also officially been added to the Thunder squad for their clash with the Heat after being summoned from the reserves as a mid-match concussion substitute during their win over the Scorchers.

Weibgen – who made his BBL debut when he was subbed into the contest – was at the crease when winning runs were scored and smashed the final ball of the penultimate over high over midwicket for six to reduce the equation to 15 from six.

The Thunder enter their clash with the Heat second in the BBL|14 standings behind Sixers after winning their past three matches.

 
Australian Test players to bolster KFC BBL clubs

January 7, 2025

The KFC BBL|14 season, which has experienced significant attendance and audience growth through the first 25 games, will be bolstered by the inclusion of Australian Test squad members from tonight.

Sean Abbott (Sydney Sixers), Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers), Sam Konstas (Sydney Thunder), Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers), Jhye Richardson (Perth Scorchers) and Beau Webster (Melbourne Stars) are available for the remainder of the BBL’s home and away season.

Remaining Test squad members will follow individual management plans over the coming weeks, which have been jointly formed with players and Cricket Australia to best prepare them for upcoming international cricket commitments after the arduous NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Steve Smith (Sydney Sixers) will be available for three matches from January 11.

Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne (Brisbane Heat) will be available for their side’s final home game on January 16 at the Gabba only.

Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars), Pat Cummins (Sydney Thunder), Josh Hazlewood (Sydney Sixers), Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers), Nathan Lyon (Melbourne Renegades), Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers) will not take part in BBL|14.

Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s executive General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, said:

“The KFC BBL|14 season has delivered outstanding cricket and incredible fan experiences, watched by record crowds and broadcast audiences so far.

“We are delighted to have number of Australian Test players entering the competition from tonight off the back of their historic NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory, and thank them for their commitment to the BBL.”

Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, National Teams, said:

“We are immensely proud of the Australian Men’s Test team and their outstanding result in re-claiming the NRMA Insurance Border-Gavaskar Trophy and qualifying for consecutive ICC World Test Championship finals.

“A five-Test match series is gruelling, and this was amplified by the intensity of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The players and staff deserve great credit for their preparation and management which has enabled sustained performance through what is a full international schedule.

“We have worked with each player to form individualised plans which will best support recovery from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and preparation for upcoming international commitments including the QANTAS Tour of Sri Lanka and ICC Champions Trophy. Wherever possible, this includes players representing their clubs in the ongoing KFC BBL|14 season over the coming fortnight.”
 
James Vince consistently delivers standout performances for the Sixers against the Stars.

fScIfgZ.jpg
 

‘This shouldn’t happen’: Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques left fuming after bizarre DRS snub​


Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques was left fuming after the men in magenta were potentially denied the crucial wicket of Glenn Maxwell during Thursday evening’s Big Bash League match against the Melbourne Stars at the MCG.

The Stars were 4-136 in the 18th over when Maxwell attempted a reverse ramp against Sixers seamer Ben Dwarshuis, with the ball sailing through to wicketkeeper Josh Philippe for a dot ball.

There was a muffled appeal for caught behind, but umpire Simon Lightbody didn’t budge at the non-striker’s end. However, before the following delivery, Henriques was seen arguing with the on-field official as Maxwell motioned towards the venue’s big screen.

Speaking to Fox Cricket on the player mic, Henriques revealed the Sixers weren’t permitted to call for a review because replays of the delivery had been shown on the big screen before the end of the 15-second DRS timer.

“We appealed, given not out,” Henriques explained.

“We went for the review ... but replays keep coming on too early, and because they put the replay up before the DRS counter, we weren’t allowed to appeal.”

To rub salt into the wounds, Maxwell smacked the following delivery for six and finished unbeaten on 58 from 32 balls.

“If the Sixers have appealed and the replay has come on too soon, and it is out, I think that’s poor form,” former England captain Michael Vaughan said on Fox Cricket commentary.

“As soon as the replay comes on, it has given the captain an insight into what’s happened, so it’s pretty much done and dusted.

“You can’t get any kind of indication of what’s happened.”

Vaughan continued: “This shouldn’t happen. The replays shouldn’t come on so quickly.

“Surely there has to be a protocol that a replay doesn’t happen until at least 15 seconds after the action has taken place.

“It’s something that shouldn’t really happen at this level.”

Looking at replays of the moment, Vaughan declared: “It looks to me like it takes the glove.”

Article D 3.2.4 of Cricket Australia’s Playing Conditions for the BBL states: “No replays, either at normal speed or slow motion, shall be shown on a big screen to spectators until the 15-second time limit allowed for requesting a Player Review has elapsed.”

A couple of overs later, the Sixers called for a review on an LBW decision against Maxwell, who had attempted a reverse sweep against Dwarshuis. However, despite switching his stance, the Victorian survived because the delivery had pitched outside the right-hander’s leg stump on ball-tracking.

Henriques once again complained to Lightbody after the verdict was handed down, later claiming the umpire had fed him false information.

“I just asked if the LBW rule changes, just as the wide rule changes, when he tries to hit a ball left-handed, and I was told it does,” Henriques said.

“Before the replays came up there, he said, ‘Yes, the rule does change.’

“Maybe he was wrong.”

Earlier in the innings, Henriques vented his frustration with the venue’s speakers blaring music for too long between overs.

“This is frustrating,” Henriques said.

“As usual, we’re just waiting for the music out here, and I’ll probably get fined for the slow over-rate.

“We’re trying to speed these games up so the kids come out ... but then we’re waiting at the end of every over for the music. The game’s finishing too late.”

The Stars, hunting their third victory of the season, ultimately posted 5-156 after being sent in.

 

@gazza619

do you think Lynch and Short are doing a grand job here? 6.4 overs 100 on the board? 40 balls into the match and two openers utilising the powerplay to get their team to 100?

If they played for Pakistan, they maybe been another 100 runs off the remaining balls to set a good total for their bowling? But unfortunately Pakistan reach this kind of score of 100 in and around the 14th-15th over with our set up.

We are struggling to understand the difference between T20 batting approach and ODI batting approach unfortunately don’t you think?
 

@gazza619

do you think Lynch and Short are doing a grand job here? 6.4 overs 100 on the board? 40 balls into the match and two openers utilising the powerplay to get their team to 100?

If they played for Pakistan, they maybe been another 100 runs off the remaining balls to set a good total for their bowling? But unfortunately Pakistan reach this kind of score of 100 in and around the 14th-15th over with our set up.

We are struggling to understand the difference between T20 batting approach and ODI batting approach unfortunately don’t you think?
Pakistan simply do not have batters who can score 100 in 6 overs. We dont. The sooner we realise this and make a strategy based on talent and skills available, the better. Thankfully though, both Riz & Aaqib know this.
 
It’s no surprise which ground is the favorite for power hitters in the BBL.

B3IYj4a.jpg
 
Pakistan simply do not have batters who can score 100 in 6 overs. We dont. The sooner we realise this and make a strategy based on talent and skills available, the better. Thankfully though, both Riz & Aaqib know this.
But the strategy is outdated and being blown out of water since Babar and Rizwan have opened or bat in top 3.

A strategy must be formed with those two removed or only Babar at 3.

Sorry. That’s what cricket requires.
 
Most sixes in an innings in BBL

12 - Josh Brown vs Strikers, Carrara, 2023/24, Challenger
11 - Chris Gayle vs Strikers, Sydney, 2011/12
11 - Craig Simmons vs Sixers, Sydney, 2013/14
11 - Chris Lynn vs Scorchers, Perth, 2016/17
11 - Chris Lynn vs Sixers, Sydney, 2019/20
10 - Glenn Maxwell vs Renegades, 2024/25
 
@mominsaigol are you watching the Sixers chase 183? They needed 35 from 18 with only 4 wickets in hand. Very similar equation to the Pak vs SA match you keep referencing but with 2 less wickets. Do the math here please
 
@mominsaigol are you watching the Sixers chase 183? They needed 35 from 18 with only 4 wickets in hand. Very similar equation to the Pak vs SA match you keep referencing but with 2 less wickets. Do the math here please

And they win with a ball remaining. Terrific contribution from their lower order.
 
And they win with a ball remaining. Terrific contribution from their lower order.
I watched the game and quality of bowlers were very pathetic.

I think any international quality bowler's can defend 16 runs in 7 ball against Tailenders.
 
I watched the game and quality of bowlers were very pathetic.

I think any international quality bowler's can defend 16 runs in 7 ball against Tailenders.

Agreed, although Pope bowled well and was slightly unlucky that the last ball of his spell went for a 6. That changed the momentum.

The point I was trying to make to our resident Aussie fan was that 36 off 18 with 6 wickets in hand is a winning position. Most teams will chase that in a high scoring affair. Pakistan could've too. Not like SA were playing their best bowlers
 
And they win with a ball remaining. Terrific contribution from their lower order.
Their bowlers are equivalent to South African international t20 bowlers? Sahi, Dil kush karnei kei lyei aap ki analogy bhoot achi thi ghalib.
 
Agreed, although Pope bowled well and was slightly unlucky that the last ball of his spell went for a 6. That changed the momentum.

The point I was trying to make to our resident Aussie fan was that 36 off 18 with 6 wickets in hand is a winning position. Most teams will chase that in a high scoring affair. Pakistan could've too. Not like SA were playing their best bowlers
Yes 36 runs in 18 Balls is chase able target . Batting team will chase 8/10 time's if they have 6 wickets in hand.
 
KFC BBL|14 Finals: The Qualifier, The Knockout venues confirmed

January 17, 2025

Venues for the first two KFC BBL|14 Finals matches have been confirmed, with all matches in this season’s Finals series to be held in Hobart and Sydney.

Hobart Hurricanes have secured first position on the BBL|14 table with a game in hand. They will face second-placed Sydney Sixers in The Qualifier next Tuesday, January 21 at Ninja Stadium, with the winner earning the right to host The Final.

Third-placed Sydney Thunder will host The Knockout on Wednesday, January 22 at ENGIE Stadium. Their opponent will be determined by the results of the last three home-and-away season matches this weekend. All five teams not yet locked into the Finals remain in contention to finish fourth.

The Finals schedule is:

The Qualifier: Hobart Hurricanes (1) v Sydney Sixers (2), Tuesday, January 21, 7:30pm AEDT, Ninja Stadium.

The Knockout: Sydney Thunder (3) v TBC (4), Wednesday, January 22, 7:30pm AEDT, ENGIE Stadium.

The Challenger: Loser of The Qualifier v winner of The Knockout, Friday, January 24, 7:15pm AEDT, venue TBC.

The Final: Winner of The Qualifier v winner of The Challenger, Monday, January 27, 7:15pm AEDT, venue TBC.

Note: A reserve day of Tuesday, January 28, 7:15pm AEDT is available for The Final.
 
Whay match winning??? is 16 off 26 match winning?? thats the agenda you defend?!!

What are you trying to prove? That Alex Carrey hit 2 sixes in the power play. Did it win them a must win game?

From what I see, they were all out and didn't even complete their overs.

Again PP is not everything. You can obsess over it but Carey for sure would be regretting the loss
 
What are you trying to prove? That Alex Carrey hit 2 sixes in the power play. Did it win them a must win game?

From what I see, they were all out and didn't even complete their overs.

Again PP is not everything. You can obsess over it but Carey for sure would be regretting the loss
I’m trying to prove, in fact I have proven that you shouldn’t comment on what’s right and what’s wrong in playing T20 cricket.
 
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I’m trying to prove, in fact I have proven that you shouldn’t comment on what’s right and what’s wrong in playing T20 cricket.

You and the three others first need to understand how this game is being played and approached, then you can go around giggling and bumping Asif Ali captain threads!

Okay if you have no response to the points, it's better to stay quiet.
 
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Don’t get too excited by one ugly little knock.
Just like you say Babar and Rizwan are doing a grand job when Rizwan scores 16 off 26 in the powerplay?????


Just like you say Babar and Rizwan are doing a grand job when Babar scores 40 off 40 against USA on a road as an opener and is too scared to come out and bat in the super over?????????
 
Smith batting like prime Gayle, JFK scoring runs. The quality of bowling must be a joke in this competition.
 
I’m trying to prove, in fact I have proven that you shouldn’t comment on what’s right and what’s wrong in playing T20 cricket.

So you're trying to prove there's only one way to play cricket.

Tell me what's more important, winning a game or hitting 2 sixes in the PP?
 
So you're trying to prove there's only one way to play cricket.

Tell me what's more important, winning a game or hitting 2 sixes in the PP?
How many runs did Pakistan lose by against India in NY?
 
What are you trying to prove? That Alex Carrey hit 2 sixes in the power play. Did it win them a must win game?

From what I see, they were all out and didn't even complete their overs.

Again PP is not everything. You can obsess over it but Carey for sure would be regretting the loss
He is obsessed with white Aussie skin.
 
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