In a major boost for the KFC Big Bash League, Australia's Test heroes will be available for the early matches of BBL|05 in the lead-up to the Boxing Day Test.

Australia's batsmen, spinner and possibly allrounder Mitchell Marsh are set to play, while the fast bowlers who participate in the Hobart Test against the West Indies will be unavailable.

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Each BBL club will have at least one match with their Test players in the December 17-20 window, with the possibility of the December 21 Perth Scorchers fixture also fielding Australia's elite five-day talent.

The tournament launches with the ninth edition of the Sydney Smash, pitting the Sydney Sixers featuring Steve Smith, Brad Haddin and Nathan Lyon against the Sydney Thunder's Mike Hussey, Jacques Kallis and Shane Watson.

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Injured left-hander Usman Khawaja could make a return in that fixture, with Bupa Support Team Head Coach Darren Lehmann indicating the two Thunder matches (including December 20's clash against the Melbourne Stars) are the first-drop's chances to prove his fitness ahead of Boxing Day.

Opening batsman Joe Burns will line-up against Peter Nevill and the Melbourne Renegades at the Gabba on December 19, while Smith and the Sixers host Kumar Sangakkara's Hobart Hurricanes a day later in Sydney.

For Scorchers trio Adam Voges, Mitchell and Shaun Marsh, a decision closer to their December 21 showdown with the Adelaide Strikers in Perth based on workload, fitness and travel time will determine their availability, with the Test squad assembling in Melbourne the following day to prepare for the annual Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Along with Australia's Test quicks, dynamic opening batsman David Warner will not play prior to the fifth Test of the summer, opting to take a break from his hectic schedule and be with heavily pregnant wife Candice.

International superstars Sangakkara, Kallis, Kieron Pollard, Adil Rashid, Brendon McCullum, Samuel Badree, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright, Michael Carberry, David Willey, Johan Botha and Andre Russell make up the highest calibre of overseas talent the competition has seen.

Australia Test players' availability

December 17 Sixers v Stars (Smith, Lyon, Khawaja)

December 18 Strikers v Stars

December 19 Heat v Renegades (Burns)

December 20 Sixers v Hurricanes (Smith, Lyon)

December 20 Stars v Thunder (Khawaja)

December 21 Scorchers v Strikers (Voges, S. Marsh, M. Marsh possibly)