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In the brief window between the Pakistan and West
Indies Test series, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Alex Carey have been
declared available for their club’s upcoming BBL matches; however, Travis Head,
the hero of the ODI World Cup final, has been rested.
Carey will start for Adelaide Strikers against Hobart
Hurricanes on Wednesday, while Khawaja and Labuschagne are scheduled to play
for the unbeaten Brisbane Heat against Perth Scorchers at the Gabba.
David Warner intends to take a helicopter to the game
following his brother’s wedding, thus Steven Smith is also anticipated to play
for the Sydney Sixers against the Sydney Thunder on Friday.
The Heat, who have won six of their past eight games
and are already guaranteed a spot in the top three of the regular season, will
have to make some difficult selections due to the availability of Khawaja and
Labuschagne, who played in the season’s opening game against the Melbourne
Stars.
Their next two games, against the Scorchers, the
reigning champs, will probably decide who wins and gets to host the January 19
qualifying final.
“It will be good for the group to have Usman and
Marnus back around the team, especially as we get into the business end of the
competition,” Heat coach Wade Seccombe said.
Carey’s return is a boost for the struggling Strikers
who are currently sixth with just two wins and will likely need to win their
remaining three games to stand a chance of progressing.
A Strikers statement added: “In consultation with
Cricket Australia medical staff, Travis Head will not be available for Big Bash
selection during the break between international Test series”