Ashes returnees boost hopes for BBL sides

With the BBL eliminator kick-starting from tomorrow, the teams still in the hunt for the coveted title will be duking it out with renewed vim and vigour as the Ashes stars return to the fold. The knock-out rounds will see the best of the talents going toe-to-toe with each other after a massive upheaval that set the tournament into a tailspin.

In a quick round-up, we will bring you the beefed-up incarnations of the ones who qualified for the qualifiers and the eliminators that will pave the path for the grand finale.

Perth Scorchers

The Scorchers will be reprieved to witness the return of Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh who haven’t starred for the table-toppers after December 28th ever since their call-up for the Ashes. New Zealand batter, Colin Munro will also be returning to the hunt after completing his isolation due to testing positive for Covid. Ashton Agar will also be making a comeback after missing out on the last game due to a shoulder injury. Another crucial addition to the Scorchers side will be Jhye Richardson who was away from the franchise due to his national obligations in the Ashes. Sadly, they will be missing their pivotal fast bowler, Tymal Mills who has travelled to the West Indies to be a part of the England squad.

Sydney Sixers

Pursuing their third title on the bounce, Sydney Sixers will be pretty happy to receive a Nathan Lyon boost who made his season debut against Brisbane Heat on Wednesday. They will also be expecting a lot from Justin Avedano who fired home a blitzkrieg against the mighty fine Adelaide Strikers.

Sydney Thunder

Usman Khwaja will be the biggest return for the Thunders who has already underlined his blistering excellence in the Ashes with a debut against the Renegades. The Thunder will be content to bring back the likes of Alex Ross, Chris Green and Sam Whiteman who were impacted by the sudden Covid scare. However, Thunder will have to make do without Sam Billings who is a part of the English T20I squad against the West Indies. Their frowns will also be intensified as they will be without the likes of two of their primary quicks namely Mohammad Hasnain and Saqib Mahmood. Hasnain has been called up for a suspect bowling action.

Adelaide Strikers

The Strikers will be reaping the maximum benefits from the Ashes returns as they will be joining forces with Alex Carey and Travis Head. Their batting lineup bolstered exponentially with the inclusion of Matthew Renshaw and Ian Cockbain. Strikers, however, will have to be content without their star leggie, Rashid Khan who left for national duties.

Hobart Hurricanes

As the Hurricanes tend to the humiliating wound that was imposed upon them by the Maxwell carnage, they will be happy to welcome back Scott Boland into their echelons. Boland impressed the world on his very debut as he left England rattled with a superlative illustration of his brutal pace. The Hurricanes lost Nathan Ellis and Joel Paris and will be happy to get back Boland who can add to their fast-bowling strength.