Healy wants more out of BBL

TEST great Ian Healy has called on Cricket Australia to urgently review why the Big Bash League has failed to produce the next generation of international stars.

The latest addition to Fox Sport’s commentary team, Healy has wasted no time giving the impression his analysis of the BBL – where he will feature heavily – will be as sharp as his years broadcasting Test matches on Channel 9.

Healy said he was energised by the Twenty20 product but concerned the BBL has not proven the breeding ground it perhaps should have become for Australian teams.

Citing the production line Indian cricket has thrived on from the Indian Premier League, Healy said it was time Cricket Australia learned from the subcontinental kings.

Australia is suffering from a dearth of cricket experience as well as quality rookies coming through the ranks – with the alarm bells ringing louder now Steve Smith and David Warner have been banned.

Healy – who wasn’t surprised only three Nine commentators (Shane Warne, Michael Slater and he) had been picked up by Fox and Seven – said a tournament of the Big Bash’s class needed to be playing a greater role in making young talent international-ready.

“It’s outstanding and I enjoy going to the game more than watching even. It’s just a sensational look seeing domestic cricket get so well supported. But the one thing I’ve noticed with the Big Bash is it hasn’t translated into good international form,” Healy said.

“Cricket has got to work out is it a club game and it stays that way, or (is it also about producing players).

“(Fostering young players) has worked extremely well for India’s international teams so let’s see what Australia can get going because we certainly need … players coming through.

“(Playing these rookies) in India leads to a bit of chaos … and a bit of panic at times but gee, the Indian side over the last 10 years has really come together and I think the experience of the IPL has helped a lot of Indian cricketers.”