Australia fast bowler Peter Siddle is set to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) after receiving a special dispensation to break from the Australian Test squad.
The 34-year-old, who was the 12th man for his side in the third Domain Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30, will join his Adelaide Strikers' teammates for a blockbuster showdown with the Sydney Thunder.
However, the Strikers will not receive the services of Test wicket-keeper batsman Travis Head as he will directly leave for Sydney to prepare for the fourth Test, beginning from January 3, while Siddle will join the national squad on January 1.
The Thunder, on the other hand, have named an unchanged 13-man squad for the clash that will see batsman Callum Ferguson return to the ground he calls home in state cricket.
"It is a huge game, the New Year's Eve game. It will be a huge crowd; they have a very passionate and knowledgeable crowd. It will be a great game with an unbelievable atmosphere. I think it is really exciting to be able to come back and play against some of my good mates from the Redbacks. It will be a real challenge as there are some really talented players in that squad," Ferguson said.
"In these big games it can be really easy to be rushed, and you can feel that it is happening really quickly. You just need to step back and play the game at your own pace. We have got a lot of really experienced players in the squad and some good youth, it is a great mix," he said.
"I think that is something that is a good strength of our side. No doubt our young players will lean on our experienced players at different stages and it is important that our experienced players stand up as it is in every game," he concluded.
Adelaide Strikers will clash with Sydney Thunder on December 31 at the Adelaide Oval.
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