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Aussie stars to return for BBL showdown

The pivotal Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers match gets a boost with ODI players back in the mix

Recalled one-day batsman Cameron White could do the rare double of playing for Australia and then in the KFC Big Bash League on consecutive days.

The Australia squad will have two days off following the third Gillette ODI against England in Sydney on Sunday. Having held his spot in the Australia XI on Sunday, White had intended to return home to Melbourne for the break, and was given the option of returning to his BBL club.

The veteran right-hander, who earned his recall to the ODI side partially on the back of his strong BBL form this season, has taken up the offer and will captain the Melbourne Renegades in their crucial BBL clash with the Adelaide Strikers on Monday evening at Etihad Stadium.

Fellow ODI squad members Travis Head and Alex Carey, who were not named in Australia's XI to play England at the SCG, have also been released to play for the Strikers.

Australia opener Aaron Finch will not turn out for the Renegades and instead head directly to Adelaide for the fourth match in the Gillette ODI series to be played on January 26.

The break from national duties does not coincide with the Perth Scorchers’ match against the Strikers on Thursday in Perth, and Western Australian fast bowlers Jhye Richardson and Andrew Tye, the other two non-playing members of Australia’s squad in Sydney, are expected to regroup with the ODI squad in Adelaide on Wednesday.

White's move is unusual; playing members of Australia's limited-overs teams have generally not been released to play in the BBL during a series in recent summers.

But with the next match of the five-game ODI series not until Friday, White and Head will have ample time to recover for the Australia Day clash.

Carey, who made his ODI debut at the Gabba after Tim Paine was struck down by illness, is not expected to be required with the Tasmanian returning to full fitness.

Carey crunches rapid century for the Strikers

Earlier this week, White admitted the fact that Big Bash clubs lose their best players to the national side midway through the tournament is "unfortunate", but added that playing for Australia remains every domestic cricketer's priority.

"The fans want to see Steve Smith, David Warner and Mitchell Starc playing Big Bash as well, but I guess that’s the million-dollar question. What will have to give for that to happen?” the Victorian told SEN.

"I think Cricket Australia want to keep the Big Bash in that school holiday period, so I think that timeframe is pretty set. It’s just a bit more unfortunate for the franchise and the fans.

"I think the important thing to note is from a player’s point of view the number one thing for any player in Australian cricket is to play for your country.

Cameron continues his white-hot form

"Unfortunately that means at the moment you may miss a few games of the Big Bash which you have to cop I guess as a player."

Australia captain Steve Smith confirmed White would be promoted up the order on Sunday to bat at No.3, with Smith dropping down to No.4. White made an unbeaten 15 batting at No.7 in the second ODI last Friday in Brisbane.

The Renegades have named 17-year-old Mackenzie Harvey, who’s in line to become the BBL’s youngest ever debutant, along with replacement international Kieron Pollard in their 13-player squad for the match against the Strikers.

The Strikers have recalled leg-spinner Liam O’Connor and omitted paceman Wes Agar from their squad to travel to Melbourne.

Melbourne Renegades squad: Cameron White (captain), Tom Cooper, Dwayne Bravo, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Tim Ludeman, Kieron Pollard, Kane Richardson, Matt Short, Chris Tremain, Jack Wildermuth.

Adelaide Strikers squad: Travis Head (c), Alex Carey (wk), Jono Dean, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Liam O'Connor, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells.

Australia ODI squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Cameron White, Adam Zampa.

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