Ashes to Big Bash: Full List of Test Stars Set to Play in the BBL 2025-26

The dominant 4-1 victory over England not only re-affirmed Australia's supremacy in Test cricket but also gave a big boost to the Big Bash League (BBL). With the five match series finished in Sydney, some Australian Test players will be returning to their respective BBL franchises, adding to the squads at this critical time in the tournament.

Generally speaking, while not too many absentees will be there because of workload management and few injuries, most of the Ashes-winning team will come back into the domestic T20 fray starting Saturday, which surely brings jubilance to fans across the country.

Players Missing Early BBL Action

Not all Australian Test regulars will immediately feature in the BBL. Travis Head and Scott Boland will not appear because of workload management. Nathan Lyon is sidelined after suffering from a hamstring injury while, Cameron Green will also not be included, as he is not part of the BBL contract.

Australia's two best fast bowlers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, also will not be involved in this season's BBL. While Cummins will be resting due to a back issue, Hazlewood continues his rehab on both hamstring and Achilles with both players preparing for the fitness ahead of the coming T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Also Read | BBL’s Highest Chase: Brisbane Heat Pulls Off Record 258-Run Chase vs Scorchers

Brisbane Heat Strengthened by Senior Test Stars

Usman Khawaja officially announced his retirement from international cricket after the fifth Test in Sydney and will not waste time getting back into domestic cricket. He will play for the team Brisbane Heat alongside Marnus Labuschagne against the Sydney Thunder.

Michael Neser, a fast bowler, will also be available for the Heat starting Wednesday, when Brisbane travels to face the Hobart Hurricanes, thus adding another layer of depth to their bowling attack.

Melbourne Renegades Gain Doggett

Fast bowler Brendan Doggett, who featured in the first two Tests of this Ashes series, is going to play for them at Melbourne Renegades as well as later against the Melbourne Stars on Saturday, thus boosting the pace resources.

Sydney Sixers Welcome Smith, Murphy and Starc

On Sunday, Steve Smith, the former captain who led Australia in four of the five Ashes Tests, will return to the Sydney Sixers fold. He will join spinner Todd Murphy in their match against the Hobart Hurricanes.

Star pacer Mitchell Starc, named Player of the Series after claiming 31 wickets in the Ashes, will take a short break before joining the Sixers next Friday's Sydney derby. His appearance will mark the end of a decade-long absence from the BBL, making it one of the most anticipated returns of the season.

Also Read | Mitchell Starc Returns to Big Bash League After 11 Years, Rejoins Sydney Sixers

Hobart Hurricanes Add All-rounders

The Hobart Hurricanes will now have full access to all-rounder Beau Webster with opening batsman Jake Weatherald likely to feature depending on selection. This creates a lot more balance and flexibility within the Hurricanes lineup just before important matches.

Strikers and Scorchers Get International Experience

This Sunday could see Adelaide Strikers coming against Perth Scorchers comprising of multiple Australian internationals:

Alex Carey – Adelaide Strikers
Josh Inglis – Perth Scorchers
Jhye Richardson – Perth Scorchers

They would provide that much-needed experience and firepower to what is sure to be an electrifying contest.

Full List: Australian Test Players Featuring in the BBL

Brisbane Heat: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser
Melbourne Renegades: Brendan Doggett
Sydney Sixers: Steve Smith, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc
Hobart Hurricanes: Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
Adelaide Strikers: Alex Carey
Perth Scorchers: Josh Inglis, Jhye Richardson

BBL about to come to a brilliant end

As Ashes-winning stars filter back into the Big Bash League, the competition is set for an intense second half. Besides enhancing the quality of cricket with the return of senior Test players, this also revives interest among fans across venues ensuring that the BBL continues to be one of the most fiercely contested domestic T20 leagues in the world.