The ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL) has received a massive boost with the Australia players picked for India tour set to be available for the finals' week. The likes of Steve Smith, David Warner among others will be featuring in the playoffs for their respective teams if they make it to the top five in the points table. Only Smith's Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers have confirmed their qualification so far.
The players were expected to leave after the league stage in order to take their flight to India for the upcoming four-match Test series. But according to The West Australian, the Test team will not be leaving the country until January 31 that has allowed them to play in the BBL. Also, no extra match fees will be paid to the cricketers for playing a few extra games.
Australia to hold special training clinic for few players
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia is set to hold a special training clinic for the few India-bound players before traveling. The spin-bowling attack of Ashton Agar, Todd Murphy, and Mitchell Swepson and batter Peter Handscomb will be taking part in it. This has more or less ruled the quartet out of the BBL finals if their team makes it that far.
It has been an excellent comeback for Steve Smith in the BBL for he has already scored 262 runs in three innings with two consecutive tons. His strike-rate of 131 has also been excellent opening the innings and he has also smacked a whopping 18 sixes thus far. David Warner's return hasn't been that great playing for the Sydney Thunder but the man will be keen on helping his side qualify for the playoffs.
The league stage of the BBL is set to conclude on January 25 while the playoffs are scheduled to commence on January 27. Smith will be playing two more matches at least for the Sixers that include the final league game and the qualifier, against Perth Scorchers.
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