Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
Australian fast bowler, Mitchell Starc has signed a new contract with Sydney Sixers for this year’s Big Bash League. The news came as surprises as most of the Australian Test players were expected to miss out from BBL this year due to the risk of burnout by living in constant bubble life.
Starc was part of the Sixers when they won the first BBL in 2011-12, “I started at the Sixers at BBL01 and it’s nice to continue that journey at a club I’ve still been around with my wife Alyssa involved with the Sixers”, he said in a statement.
“I’ve been watching from afar, the Big Bash, so it’s nice to be back involved this year and seeing the guys run around it’s a great product. It’s a great time of the year for cricket in Australia and the Big Bash just shows that level of cricket and I guess that excitement that everyone wants to watch. I was watching Steve and Josh get back involved last year, and still being around and involved with the club I saw a little bit of an opportunity to jump back in. I’m just really looking forward to being back with some of my really close mates that play for NSW and the Sixers. There’s some great people at the Sixers behind the scenes too”, Starc added.
England wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow has also signed in the BBL, linking up with Melbourne Stars and will be available for the games post-Christmas, as England is all set for South Africa tour. Making his debut in the league, the 31-year old cricketer is beyond thrilled to join hands with Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.
“The list is looking good and I can’t wait to get involved alongside Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa who I’ve been playing against during the IPL. I know Melbourne has been through a tough time over the winter with COVID so I hope the Stars can bring some of the fun back over summer and put a smile on people’s faces,” he said in reports by IANS.
Melbourne Stars head coach David Hussey acknowledged the fact that Bairstow’s batting and help with the gloves will act as a major benefit for the Stars. “I’m glad that Jonny has decided to make his BBL debut with us at the Melbourne Stars. He’s been playing at the top level with England for almost a decade now and brings a real competitive fire to matches. His experience and versatility will be a valuable addition to our batting line-up, and we’ve got several ‘keeping options in the squad as well”, Hussey said.
Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.
