BBL club Sydney Thunder have re-signed Sam Billings, who becomes the latest Englishman to embrace the restrictions involved with playing cricket in Australia this summer.
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Billings and compatriot Alex Hales will reunite with former England coach Trevor Bayliss, who is now at the helm of the Thunder.
Several England Test players have detailed concerns about touring Australia for the Ashes if families are unable to be part of the trip.
Cricket Australia (CA) remains in talks with federal and state governments to map out a biosecurity plan for the much-anticipated Test series.
Billings, Hales and 2017-18 Ashes tourist James Vince have already signed up for BBL returns.
Billings is yet to make his Test debut but could be part of the Ashes tour as a reserve wicketkeeper.
He was added to England's Test squad for their current series against India after Jos Buttler departed for the birth of his second child.
Jonny Bairstow was behind the stumps for the fourth Test.
Buttler has declared he will likely opt out of touring Australia if his family is not part of the trip.
Meanwhile, Billings is keen to work closely with Bayliss again.
"He's a good coach to learn off. Both Halesy and I have played a lot under Trevor and it's really exciting," he said.
"Not only for younger players, but for the older players, to be influenced by TB."
The Thunder's season is slated to start on December 6 but the BBL schedule may need to be rejigged because of state border closures.
Australian Associated Press
