England players in demand at Big Bash draft

Liam Livingstone, who has previously represented Perth Scorchers in the competition, was drafted by Melbourne Renegades, who were given the first pick in the draft

Liam Livingstone was the first player signed in the Big Bash's inaugural overseas player draft, with 12 other Englishmen also picked up.

Livingstone, who has previously represented Perth Scorchers in the competition, was drafted by Melbourne Renegades, who were given the first pick in the draft.

Sam Billings – another with plenty of Big Bash experience, having played for both Sydney sides – was selected by Brisbane Heat, with Chris Jordan and James Vince returning to Sydney Sixers. David Willey, formerly of Perth Scorchers, will play for Sydney Thunder.

Fellow left-armer Trent Boult, no longer on a central contract for New Zealand, was the third player picked in the draft – by Melbourne Stars – after Livingstone and Rashid Khan, who was retained by Adelaide Strikers. Pakistani leg-spinner Shadab Khan was Hobart Hurricanes' first pick.

^{Rashid Khan has been retained by Adelaide Strikers (David Rogers/Getty Images)}

Nottinghamshire opener Joe Clarke returns to Stars, while Laurie Evans and Tymal Mills – both part of Scorchers' success in 2022 – have been retained by Perth. Alex Hales is also back at Thunder, while Phil Salt – in the running for an England berth this winter – joins Evans at Scorchers.

Uncapped duo Adam Hose and Luke Wood have been picked up by Adelaide Strikers and Luke Wood, with Hampshire left-hander Ross Whiteley destined for Brisbane Heat.

Several big names went unsigned, however, with former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and West Indies greats Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard among those not snapped up. All four have limited availability, owing to other T20 commitments in South Africa and the UAE.

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