After controversial 2-day MCG affair, Australia release 2 players to play BBL ahead of Sydney Test

Australia have released all-rounder Beau Webster and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis from the squad after the two-day controversial Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Test. Ahead of the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series, Inglis and Webster will play one Big Bash League (BBL) match each for their respective teams.

Webster will be seen in action for Hobart Hurricanes for their home game against Melbourne Renegades on December 29. Hurricanes have won three out of their four games so far. Inglis will turn up for Perth Scorchers against Sydney Thunder on December 30 in their away game. Scorchers have managed to win just one out of three games this season.

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Webster hasn’t played a single Test in the ongoing Ashes despite Cameron Green struggling with the bat. Green has managed to score just 112 runs from six innings at an average of 18.66. Mitchell Starc (151 runs) has scored more runs than Green in the series so far. Jofra Archer (102 runs) comes close too.

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Meanwhile, Inglis was dropped as Australia made a few forced changes to the side. With Usman Khawaja scoring a half-century at Adelaide Oval, Inglis could not find a place for the MCG Test. He has scored 65 runs from three innings in the series.

Will Starc return to BBL?

After the conclusion of the Ashes 2025-26, several Australian stars are set to join their respective BBL sides. The most high profile comeback will be left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc. He played for Sydney Sixers 11 years ago. However, a final call will be taken by Australia’s medical staff as he has played all four Tests and set to play at the SCG as well.

Major BBL stars may be unavailable for finals

Australia’s major T20 players may not be available for the BBL finals. They will go to Pakistan for a three-T20I series to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Even if that happens, the likes of Steve Smith, Starc, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Scott Boland and others will continue be available for the BBL.