He’s back! Aussie superstar’s 11-year Big Bash drought finally over

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is set to make his first Big Bash League appearance in 11 years this summer, signing for the Sydney Sixers for the 15th edition of the T20 competition.

The 35-year-old, whose most recent BBL appearance was back in 2014/15, has taken 20 wickets at 14.85 across ten matches for the men in magenta since his debut in 2011, helping the Sydney-based franchise win its maiden title that summer. He also won a Champions League trophy with the Sixers in 2012.

However, due to international commitments and workload management, the tall left-armer has rarely been available for Big Bash cricket.

Earlier this year, Starc retired from T20 internationals so he could prioritise Test and ODI cricket, while keeping the door open for T20 franchises such as the Indian Premier League.

And on Thursday morning, the Sixers confirmed Starc had put pen to paper on a marquee supplementary player contract, just as he did the previous two summers.

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“I can’t wait to pull on the Sixers’ fresh magenta playing shirt,” Starc said in a statement.

“Over the past decade I’ve stayed close to the club and, all things going to plan, am excited to get back on the field this summer.

“The Sixers are close to my heart and I have great memories of our BBL|01 and Champions League success. My goal is to help bring another trophy home to our passionate fans.”

Starc will miss the first half of the Big Bash due to Ashes commitments, with his availability for specific Sixers games to be determined at a later date. Barring fitness concerns, he should be free to play the Sydney derby against the Thunder at the SCG, which could also feature the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Ravichandran Ashwin and Babar Azam.

“When the opportunity arose to bring Mitch back to the Sixers, we didn’t hesitate,” Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes said in a statement.

“Mitch’s strike power with both the new and old ball is unmatched, and we hope he will play a vital role in our push towards the Finals.

“Even when not playing in recent years, Mitch has shown himself to be a great ambassador for the club, and we look forward to that leadership playing a major role on and off the field.”

The Sixers get their BBL campaign underway on December 14, facing the Scorchers in Perth.

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