Mitchell Starc looks set to dig his spikes out of the Big Bash drawer for the first time in 11 summers. The left-arm quick has re-signed with Sydney Sixers and, assuming he pulls up well after the Ashes, could bowl on 11, 16 and 18 January – and in the finals, if the Sixers get that far.
The gap appears because the fifth Ashes Test finishes on 8 January and, after retiring from T20 internationals, Starc has nothing in the diary until the IPL. In a crowded global schedule that counts as rare free time.
“I’ve got no cricket scheduled between the fifth Test and the IPL at this stage,” Starc said.
“An opportunity to play some BBL cricket, I’ve obviously been a part of the small part of the Sixers throughout the 15 seasons, so it’s nice to return to potentially a playing role. Obviously, we’ve got the five Test matches to focus on, first and foremost. But post that, it’s obviously my intention to be available to play some part if called upon.”
The 33-year-old last appeared in the competition back in 2014. Since then, international duties – and the physical toll of fast bowling – have kept him on the sidelines. He has long argued that Test cricket must take precedence and that view has not softened.
“I’m fine with BBL windows,” Starc said. “The only view I have on it is the Test cricket schedule is not to be touched. Test cricket is the pinnacle. I don’t think Test cricket should make way for T20 cricket at all. Whether it’s the BBL, the IPL, anything, the Test summer is the Test summer. I would hate to see that change for domestic cricket.
“So that is not a snipe at anyone. That’s just my opinion of Test cricket and where it sits on my priority list. Whether you move the Big Bash into a smaller window and play back-to-back, it’s T20 cricket. It’s not as physically demanding as Test cricket. I know they’ve shortened the schedule already. I think that’s been a positive impact.”
His stance matters: private investment talks around the BBL are ongoing and a shorter, tighter tournament is on the table. Administrators must weigh broadcast revenue against Australia’s traditional Test window, notably the Boxing Day and New Year matches that underpin the home summer.
For the competition itself, Starc’s return is another welcome jolt. R Ashwin is tipped to play the full season for Sydney Thunder, while David Warner, Steven Smith and – visa issues allowing – Babar Azam could all be on show. A Sixers-Thunder derby at the SCG on 16 January may feature Ashwin, Starc, Warner, Smith and Babar in the same match, which feels a decent advertisement.
Head of the BBL Alistair Dobson certainly thinks so. “To have Mitch signing off for Sixers it just shows that it’s still a comp that everyone wants to play in,” he said.
Starc’s cameo may still be exactly that – a cameo. Australia tour New Zealand for two Tests in late February, meaning another quick turnaround from magenta to Baggy Green. But for a fortnight in January, at least, a bowler who helped launch the league back in 2011 looks ready to give it another whirl – as long as it doesn’t mess with the main event.
