Mitchell Starc re-joins Sydney Sixers for BBL 10

The Australia left-armer last represented the reigning champions in 2014-15 and fills the void left by Josh Hazlewood and Steve Smith

• Big Bash League 2020-21 squads
• T20 PLAYER INDEX: The definitive world T20 rankings for men and women

Sydney Sixers have secured the return of Mitchell Starc for the 10th edition of the Big Bash League.

The 30-year-old hasn't played in the BBL since 2014-15.

He arrives after Josh Hazlewood and Steve Smith ruled themselves out of playing for the defending champions.

Starc has taken 20 wickets in 10 outings for Sixers, where wife Alyssa Healy plays for the women's side.

"It's great to be back in magenta after five seasons away from the Big Bash," Starc said.

"I started at the Sixers at BBL01 and it’s nice to continue that journey at a club I’ve still been around with my wife Alyssa involved with the Sixers.

🙌 Mitchell Starc is relishing the chance to pull on the magenta once again after creating some memorable moments in his first stint with the Sixers 👌

Full interview > https://t.co/y3Behi0Sm5#smashemsixers #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/1NJWcP9vdh

— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) November 9, 2020

"I’ve been watching from afar, the Big Bash, so it’s nice to be back involved this year and seeing the guys run around it’s a great product.

"It’s a great time of the year for cricket in Australia and the Big Bash just shows that level of cricket and I guess that excitement that everyone wants to watch."

Head coach Greg Shipperd added: "As with last season when we were blessed with the presence of Steve Smith and Josh Hazelwood, who both made a huge contribution to our winning effort, we hope Mitch gets to express himself in his home colours again.

"He is a maximum impact player who is a world class T20 fast bowler as well as being in the upper echelons across the other formats."

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.