The new season of the BBL is underway. This page will keep you updated with all the snippets of news from the tournament

December 18

Finch calls for BBL DRS

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts said that he had taken heed of calls by Australia's T20 captain Aaron Finch for the use of DRS in future editions of the BBL, but ruled out its inclusion this season.

In the opening over of the season, Usman Khawaja survived an lbw appeal against Josh Lalor which replays showed should have been given out.

Finch believes DRS should be available as it now is in T20Is, the IPL and the finals of this year's CPL. "I think we should have one review, similar to internationals and ODI cricket," he said. "There's so much riding on games and you know how much of an impact one ball can have or one decision can have.

"Sometimes you're on the right side, sometimes you're not, but I think we've come far enough and there's enough time in the game to have a 90-second strategy break, so to me it would make sense."

Roberts said: "We'll review the BBL in the ordinary course at the end of the season. I was really happy to see the opening match last night and to watch that from home, the first tactical timeout as well. I think Aaron makes a really good point, and also a really good question about DRS. We're not going to be looking at that right now but like all things cricket, as each season passes we review and we consider how we can improve and I think Aaron makes a fair point and one that we would consider going forward."

Renegades draft in Doolan; Christian ready for spin

Alex Doolan has returned to the Melbourne Renegades having been drafted in as a local replacement player ahead of the opening match of the tournament for the defending champions.

He comes into the squad for 19-year-old pace bowler Zak Evans who is recovering from a back injury. However, there is no place for recent Test opener Marcus Harris. The Renegades begin their title defence against the Sydney Thunder in Geelong.

Meanwhile, Dan Christian was watching the Thunder's opening match closely and was preparing himself to face plenty of spin after seeing the impact of Jono Cook, Chris Green and Arjun Nair against the Brisbane Heat. The trio took 6 for 70 from 12 overs to derail the Heat at the Gabba.

Thunder have been good tonight!! Will make sure I get thrown some off spinners before Thursday night's game

— Dan Christian (@danchristian54) December 17, 2019