Starc and Bairstow the Latest to Join Big Bash

Tournament Starts on 10 December

Mitchell Starc Australia

Australia star Mitchell Star and England’s Jonny Bairstow are the latest players to sign-up to feature in BBL.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Bairstow has joined Melbourne Stars, while pace ace Starc has committed to defending champions Sydney Sixers.

It will be the first time Starc has featured in the tournament for six years due to international commitments. He already has a BBL title under his belt after winning it with the Sixers in the inaugural year in 2011/12.

However, he could feature this year due to a window following Australia’s Test series with Australia. That would include the derby clash with rivals Sydney Thunder on January 22.

Starc said: “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.

“I was watching Steve (Smith) and Josh (Hazlewood) 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.”

Greg Shipperd, the Sixers head coach, added: “He is a maximum impact player who is a world class T20 fast bowler as well as being in the upper echelons across the other formats.”

Bairstow’s BBL Debut

Bairstow, meanwhile, will make his Big Bash League debut after signing for the Stars.

He has been playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League and now joins other England stars in the BBL, including Tom Banton, Dawid Malan, Tom Curran and Alex Hales.

I'm glad that Jonny has decided to make his BBL debut with us at the Melbourne Stars,” said coach David Hussey.

“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.”

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Chris is passionate about all forms of cricket and loves writing about the sport. He has a background in both sport and news journalism and has written cricket and other sports content for several years now. Chris has written about all levels of the game from regional club cricket in England to the international stage. He now brings that experience to the iGaming industry where he combines it with his love of betting. Chris loves to bet on many different sports, but particularly enjoys seeking out the best value bets on offer and passing that on through his coverage.