As the BBL group stage enters the final weeks of the race for the knockouts this page will keep you updated with all the snippets of news from the tournament

January 17

Lyon named in Sydney Sixers squad

Nathan Lyon is closing in on a return from the finger injury he suffered in the final Test against New Zealand having been named in the Sydney Sixers' squad for the local derby against the Sydney Thunder at Sydney Showgrounds on Saturday.

Lyon split his thumb dropping a return catch at the SCG which delayed his entry into this season's BBL having been overlooked for Australia's one-day tour of India.

A decision will be taken closer to the start of the match against the Thunder as to whether Lyon is able to make the final XI.

The Sixers, who are currently second, are set to get a major boost to their line-up for the closing stages of qualifying and then the knockouts with Steven Smith and Josh Hazlewood due to be available following the ODI tour of India.

I'm really looking forward to getting back out there for the Sixers," Lyon said. "Whether that's Saturday or Monday or whenever, I want to make a contribution as we head towards the finals. We get [Steve] Smith and [Josh] Hazlewood back soon too, so it's a pretty exciting team to be around."

Stars lose Haris Rauf

The Melbourne Stars will assess their options following Haris Rauf's call-up to the Pakistan T20I squad and will see whether there is a window for him to return after three-match series.

Rauf will fly out of Australia on Friday so won't be available for Saturday's match against the Perth Scorchers at the MCG.

The final T20I against Bangladesh takes place on January 29 which means Rauf could be available for the latter stages of the knockouts. With the Stars currently well ahead at the top of the table they are all-but certain to be playing in the Qualifier on January 31. Winning that match would put them straight into the final on February 8, but they would get a second chance - on February 6 in the Challenger - if they lose.

A Stars statement said: "The club is currently working through timelines around any potential return for Rauf following the series and will announce any updates to their international roster in due course."

They will also be without left-arm quick Jackson Coleman, who was Player of the Match against the Scorchers in Perth, for the return fixture at the MCG after he suffered right oblique muscle tightness.