Australia's Will Pucovski throws a ball during a practice session at the Gabba Cricket Ground in Brisbane on January 22, 2019, ahead of their first day-night Test match against Sri Lanka on January 24. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA / AFP) / --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE--
It’s been another busy week of BBL-relevant updates led by today’s Australia Test squad and Australia A squad announcements, plus more signings and form lines via IPL and the Sheffield Shield.
It’s likely been pretty confusing to follow with a SuperCoach BBL hat on, so here we’ve tried to break it all down and explain what matters. Hopefully it helps!
CALL-UPS
Cricket Australia made a big announcement today which impacts BBL selection big time, with the confirmation of an extended 17-man Test squad plus a 19-man Australia A squad for games in December.
Long story short, BBL starts on December 10 in Tasmania and the Australia A games are in Sydney on December 6-8 and December 11-13.
The First Test starts December 17 in Adelaide but it’s likely the group will get together well in advance and the squad announced is for all four Tests. It may be difficult to come in and out of the Test squad bio-secure bubble, so players may not be released to BBL teams as easily as previous seasons. With concussion subs nowadays too, it’s anticipated 13 players will be retained throughout.
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Players getting released from the Australia A squad is a wait-and-see situation but we anticipate the seven members of that squad who are also part of the Test squad will play in the first game from December 6.
On releasing BBL players, national selector Trevor Hohns said: “Returning them to the BBL will be a little bit easier than bringing players in. As we’ve done in previous seasons, we’ll release players if the opportunity arises.
“We want our players playing as much as we can. Unfortunately right now the circumstances are a little bit different to normal. As history shows, we’ve always tried to release back to their clubs if and when we can.”
Hohns also confirmed both Australia A games will feature official 11 v 11 sides.
OK hopefully that all made sense. Here’s the squads:
Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
Australia A squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Joe Burns, Jackson Bird, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh (subject to fitness), Michael Neser, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Mark Steketee, Will Sutherland, Mitchell Swepson
UPDATES
Melbourne Stars confirmed popular Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf will not be returning for BBL|10 due to national team duties.
The Stars also confirmed they’ll unveil their third international signing next week, so watch this space.
Sydney Sixers opener James Vince ($98k BAT) has been ruled out of the Pakistani Super League play-offs for Multan Sultans after testing positive for COVID-19. It’s unlikely this will affect his BBL|10 availability.
SIGNINGS
We’ve got a full wrap of these right here (check it out NOW!), discussing likely role and availability, but among the list are Nicholas Pooran (Price TBC BAT/WKP), Riley Rossouw ($160k BAT), Jonny Bairstow ($175k WKP/BAT) and Mitchell Starc ($190k BWL).
Phil Salt ($134k BAT) and Jimmy Peirson ($69K WKP/BAT) were among a handful of re-signings.
FORM GUIDE
Marcus Stoinis ($185k BAT/BWL) was elevated to open the batting for Delhi Capitals in their play-offs games on Sunday and Tuesday with mixed success, posting 38 off 27 and a golden duck.
Stoinis actually picked up 3-26 from three overs in Qualifier 2 to win Player of the Match, while in the Final he took 1-23 from two overs.
Nathan Coulter-Nile ($138k BWL) was more impressive for Mumbai Indians in their Final victory, taking an economical 2-29 from four overs including 10 dot balls. He also bowled the 20th over, which went for only eight and included three dots.
Daniel Sams ($196k BAT/BWL) was actually dropped for both of Delhi’s play-offs after finding his way into their side for Qualifier 1.
Rashid Khan ($192k BWL) took 1-26 from four overs but only bowled 4 dots as Sunrisers Hyderabad lost to Delhi on Sunday. He batted at seven, making 11 off seven balls, including one six and one four.
In the Sheffield Shield, Nathan Ellis ($113k BWL) was mysteriously withdrawn from Tasmania’s side to play NSW at the last minute. We’re yet to get an explanation.
Perth Scorchers wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis ($161k BAT/WKP) produced a BBL style 125 from 122 balls for WA, which included 10 fours and six sixes.
Sydney Thunder’s Callum Ferguson ($104k BAT) scored 97 in his last-ever Shield game for SA. Plenty of blokes got centuries, but we must mention Will Pucovski ($42k BAT) who managed another double ton.
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