New Melbourne Stars captain Marcus Stoinis said teammate Hilton Cartwright had been cleared of concussion and he was hoping he’d be available for their next game.

As the Big Bash League returns for its 14th season, we have something the perfect page to keep you up to date. We've launched a new page that will pull together all the latest news, reports and commentaries (where the BBC has rights) from the Big Bash, IPL, WPL, SA20, PSL and other leagues.

Team news, pitch report and match prediction for Australia v New Zealand Third Test Tips as Ed Hawkins finds the best cricket Tips

Australia all-rounder Cooper Connolly smashed 64 off 51 balls as Perth Scorchers beat Melbourne Stars by six wickets in the opening game of the 2024-25 Big Bash League. Chasing 147 to win, Scorchers were struggling at 37-3 but Connolly hit four fours and three sixes to swing the game in their favour.

Cooper Connolly (Perth Scorchers) had a bowling average of 12.7 in BBL|13, the best of any player in the competition (minimum 8 overs); he finished the BBL|13 campaign with five wickets across his last two innings.

Cooper Connolly struck a maiden BBL half-century after Jhye Richardson starred with the ball to ensure the Perth Scorchers began their campaign in style with a win in over Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium.