Almost half of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad is set to miss the BBL season

The push for Steve Smith to play in the BBL has become even greater with news Mitch Marsh has joined Glenn Maxwell on the sidelines. See who else is likely to miss.

Almost half of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad looks set to miss this summer’s Big Bash, with Mitchell Marsh the latest casualty.

Cricket Australia sought to clear much of January for the BBL, but a combination of serious injury, workload issues and contractual impasses could deny broadcasters the biggest local stars.

Marsh has undergone ankle surgery to fix a long-term problem and will spend three months out, joining the face of the BBL Glenn Maxwell (broken leg) on the sidelines in a major blow to the competition.

The Marsh setback has only heightened the pressure on CA to consider backflipping on its current stance to deny Steve Smith a David-Warner-style six-figure marketing contract, which could convince him to take part in the league.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Mitch Marsh of the Scorchers bats during the Men's Big Bash League match between the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers at Marvel Stadium, on January 22, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are not expected to take part in the competition due to workload issues leading into February’s Test tour of India, while young all-rounder Cameron Green could yet be wrapped in cotton wool due to the well-documented concerns being held for his upcoming schedule.

From Australia’s World Cup T20 squad, only Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and Ashton Agar will be available for the whole tournament, although Warner will give the league a massive injection in the second half of the competition.

Broadcasters are urging CA to show Smith the money – with the prospect of a Smith v Warner Sydney derby clash in January a ratings blockbuster.

Reports on Thursday claimed Channel 10 was forced to cancel its Christmas party due to cost cutting measures, but the network is currently at the forefront of pursuing Cricket Australia’s TV rights and have come in with the highest offer.

England international Phil Salt has also joined countrymen Liam Livingstone and David Willey in pulling out of the BBL, although big names Andre Russell and Faf du Plessis have signed on.

Australia is hoping Perth Scorchers captain and T20 gun Marsh will be fit for a one-day series in March in India.

“In undertaking the surgery now, it gives Mitchell the best chance to recover and resume his all-rounder skillset which is an important part of our plans for the upcoming year and beyond,” said National Selector, George Bailey.

Glenn Maxwell will miss the entire BBL season. Picture: Getty Images

MYSTERIOUS STANDOFF: SMITH FEELS DISRESPECTED BY CA

Exclusive

TV executives have urged Cricket Australia to do what it takes to get Steve Smith into this summer’s Big Bash, as his legend grew in Perth as the best since Bradman.

The mysterious standoff between CA and Smith over the BBL only became more bewildering on Thursday as the batting master smashed an effortless double century – the fourth of his career – against the hapless West Indies to join Bradman with 29 career tons.

Ricky Ponting’s record of 41 Test hundreds now looks well within reach for Smith thanks to a technique revamp, but despite his superstar status as an all-time great, CA has refused to show him the money which would convince him to help headline the most critical season in BBL history.

Smith feels disrespected that CA won’t make him a similar offer to the six figure marketing deal they have given David Warner, particularly after they inexplicably banned him from joining the Sydney Sixers last summer when he was willing to play for a pittance.

Steve Smith feels disrespected by Cricket Australia. Picture: AAP/Darren England

The push for Smith has become even more heightened with news Australian star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has joined Glenn Maxwell in being ruled out for the entire BBL with injury.

Marsh has undergone ankle surgery to fix a long standing issue and will miss three months of action, with a view to getting himself right for the build-up to next year’s 50-over World Cup.

Maxwell has been the biggest drawcard in BBL history and Marsh another leading light and their losses are profound.

Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley declared Smith would be a massive game-changer for the Big Bash, which is under enormous pressure to safeguard its future this summer as a TV rights deal looms.

“It needs people like Steve Smith, there’s no doubt about it. I don’t want to get involved in the political side and telling Cricket Australia what to do, but as the producer of television and content and sports content, there would be few things better than having Steve Smith involved in the BBL,” Crawley told News Corp.

“It’s a critical season. It’s something that needs a lift. Everyone is trying hard. And there’s something sitting in front of us that we really should consider. But again, not telling Cricket Australia to do, just saying as the producer of content. It’s a great prospect.”

Channel 7 chief executive James Warburton said it was time CA made Smith the priority he should be.

“Steve Smith would be a huge addition for BBL12,” Warburton told News Corp.

“CA should be moving heaven and earth to get him locked in ASAP.”

Cricket Australia say they have not closed the door on Smith playing in the Big Bash – and want him part of the competition – but it remains unclear whether the organisation is willing to table him a Warner-like offer.

News Corp understands CA may try to reopen talks in the coming days in the hope of striking an eleventh hour compromise deal with Smith.

Steve Smith celebrates reaching his fourth double century. Picture: Colin Murty/AFP

“He’s a very popular, iconic player for the Sixers and we’d love for him to play in the BBL this year,” Big Bash Leagues general manager Alistair Dobson told News.

“If that happens, then it’d be great for the competition.”

BBL executives have been breathlessly spruiking the late signings of Andre Russell and Faf du Plessis, but broadcasters say securing certified Australian drawcards like Smith – who are actually keen to play – should be the No.1 priority, particularly when the other stars, fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, have put themselves off limits due to workloads.

CA says the marketing contract given to Warner to secure him to the Sydney Thunder was a special case and they don’t want to set a dangerous precedent for themselves by making the propping up of contracts for Australian stars the norm.

Originally published as Almost half of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad is set to miss the BBL season