Overview
- Both players confirmed their return after the Ashes, with Starc saying he will pull on the magenta and prioritising the Big Bash.
- Starc, fresh off 31 wickets and the Compton–Miller Medal, could be available as early as January 11 against the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG.
- Smith resumes a fourth straight Sixers stint, while Starc is set for his first Sixers appearance since BBL season four.
- Todd Murphy is expected to rejoin and Josh Hazlewood is set to link as a supplementary player, intensifying competition for spots.
- Player-of-the-match Joel Davies joked he might lose his place, highlighting tough selection calls in a squad that already includes Babar Azam.