Innovative Twenty20 pioneer David Hussey wants more crowd-pulling foreign stars lighting up the Big Bash League.
Preparing to take on Brisbane Heat drawcards Andrew Flintoff and Daniel Vettori at the Gabba on Sunday night, Melbourne Stars veteran Hussey has called for Cricket Australia to raise the number of BBL imports.
Franchises are currently limited to a maximum of two internationals but the 37-year-old former Australian batsman believes loosening those restrictions would also be in the best interests of domestic cricket.
“Hopefully they add the international players to maybe three or four in the coming years,” he said in Brisbane. “I think they add a new dimension to the Australian (T20) cricket.
“The international people not only bring world-class cricket but different styles of cricket and different gameplans that you can adapt into your game as well.
“I think Australian cricket would only be stronger for it.”
The star power has only risen in BBL04 with South African great Jacques Kallis and controversial England batsman Kevin Pietersen debuting this summer.
Desperate to break their duck after two upset losses, Melbourne must do it with only one import, English allrounder Luke Wright, at the Gabba after Pietersen chose to fly home for Christmas.
It puts the onus more on Hussey, the most experienced Australian T20 player in the game with 246 game over 10 years, and third in the world behind Albie Morkel and Kieron Pollard.
Vettori warned Flintoff was readying to produce his best after suffering a three-ball duck in the Heat’s opening 56-run loss to Sydney Thunder.
“Everyone remembers him as a destructive player and he wants to repeat that,” the New Zealand spinner said.
“Seeing how hard he’s been working you get a sense that it’s going to come pretty soon.”
Brisbane have been boosted by the return of spearhead Ben Cutting (groin) to replace new Test batsman Joe Burns.
Rob Quiney has taken Pietersen’s place while paceman Clint McKay has also been added to their 13-man squad.
Hussey – who consulted his brother, Thunder captain Mike, about the Heat – overlooked Flintoff and Vettori as their major threats, instead singling veteran skipper James Hopes as the main danger.
Westius
Guest
I agree with some foreign players being in the comp - and maybe that number should be higher than currently - but I don't agree we should just throw it open to the international market. Firstly it would mean an increase in the salary cap which would probably send the teams broke at the moment (noting the comp is loss making), secondly we get to uncover some great players who would otherwise not be noticed (Warner perhaps) but most importantly, domestic cricketers in aus now have a way of making a good living professionally as a cricketer - until recently, domestic players didn't get paid all that well. And if they're good, the world is their oyster.
Westius
Guest
I believe in the IPL you can have 9 foreigners in the squad but only 4 in the match day 11
JGK
Roar Guru
Like Freddie Flintoff?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Hussey is right, should definitely be 3-4 -- there are a lot of utter plodders in BBL sides right now who just don't belong.
Craig Watson
Guest
The BBL as it currently stands has a good sprinkling of overseas players. This allows the tournament to maintain its Australian domestic feel. We all love watching former tests greats in Andrew Flintoff, Dan Vettori, Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Michael Hussey strut their stuff..but what we do not want is overkill like in the IPL.
Craig Watson
Guest
Unlike the BBL, the IPL does not have restrictions on foreign players. So it is not unusual to see a side stacked with non-Indian players.I can remember that a few years ago, one side I think it was the Rajastan Royals, had four or five Australians in their ranks alone. So what chance do aspiring young Indians have of playing in the tournament when it is dominated by foreigners.
Craig Watson
Guest
The only problem I have with Hussey's idea is that it restricts the amount of young players aspiring to play at a higher level. There is so much talent out there in all states. Just look at those young kids that played in a couple of CA X1 matches against South Africa recently. Sorry "Mr Cricket" the young Aussie cricketer must come first.
b
Guest
It's only T20, who cares? Open the game up completely, let teams pay for whoever they want, no limits on imports. It's a money game, all show no substance, so make a show of it.
Clive Azavedo
Roar Rookie
It would make a big difference as currently some teams do not have quality domestic Australian players and teams such as Sixers even suffer for having brilliant Australian players as they are playing for Australia during such a period. More internationals will just bring in more quality and variety into the Big Bash League.
Johnno
Guest
Agreed, all the best sports comps in the World open up to alot of foriegners, and put the national team 2nd. I'd watch more super rugby if they wanted to turn it into a truly great club comp. But no all the wallabies care about, is makeing the wallabies no 1, not haveing a great club comp like French rugby or the EPL. I'd like 5 foreigners per Big Bash side or at least 4. And have a rule only 2 of the players can bowl. I want the national T20 team developed, but more foreign stars will bring in the cash to develop the next gen of aussy bats. i'd rather pay to watch Viv richards, or Sewag or flintoff , than some young average player.