The Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers have both bolstered their bowling stocks with re-signings while the Brisbane Heat have a pending injury concern.
Fast bowler Brody Couch, who didn’t play at all in BBL|13, has put pen to paper on a one-year extension with the Stars. It must be noted, Couch took 16 wickets in his debut season in BBL|11.
Couch recently moved to WA and has spent the last couple of winters in the US with the San Francisco Unicorns in MLC.
“Having the opportunity to play in the US this winter has been a great experience which has helped me to continue to improve my skills,” Couch said.
“I’ve learnt a lot over the last three years with the Stars, I love playing in the Big Bash and hopefully I can help contribute to the team in BBL|14.”
Stars GM Blair Crouch said the fast bowler is an important addition to the squad for the upcoming season.
Crouch said: “Brody has put in a mountain of work over the last couple of years without much reward in terms of game time. He is a wonderful member of the squad and we feel like he can play a big role for us this season with his continued improvement.”
The Stars now have 16 players signed in their 18-player squad for BBL|14, meaning there’s two domestic list spots open.
Meanwhile, the Sixers confirmed the re-signing of Jackson Bird for BBL|14, marking a ninth season with the club.
The announcement of Bird’s signing leaves two primary domestic list spots available for the upcoming men’s season.
Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes said: “Jackson is a much-loved member of our squad. Now coming into his ninth season with the club, he’s a Sydney Sixer through and through.
“We’re really pleased with the shape of our bowling group and Jackson provides a terrific option for us depending on the needs of the side, which gives us great flexibility throughout the season.”
Meanwhile, BBL|13 revelation Xavier Bartlett suffered an injury scare in Wednesday’s T20I victory for Australia over England.
Bartlett couldn’t complete his fourth over due to an apparent side strain, finishing with 1-26 from 3.4 overs. The fast bowler has endured injuries in the past, impacting his ability to play BBL.
