Cricket Australia has re-approved the use of Andre Russell’s black bat in the ongoing sixth season of Big Bash League (BBL). Earlier, it was disapproved by Cricket Australia after it left some black marks on the ball. Now, he has been allowed to use that bat again only after some changes being made to it. The black part of the bat will have a laminated cover over it, so as to protect the ball from any black patches and marks.

“Following feedback from the match officials that the bat used by Andre on the opening night of the season left black marks on the match ball, Andre has worked with his bat manufacturer to modify the bat,” BBL head Anthony Everard said.

“A clear laminate cover has been applied to the bat which complies with regulations to ensure the ball discoloration does not occur again.

“We’re now satisfied that the bat will not compromise the integrity of the game by discolouring the match ball and we have granted approval for Andre to use the bat in any future BBL matches,” he added.

Russell’s bat came under scanner after the first game between Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers when it left some black patches on the ball only in seven deliveries that Russell faced. Cricket Australia took action against this and banned it but now have re-approved the use of it.