Big Bash bans Russell’s bat

SYDNEY - Cricket officials Wednesday banned a black bat used by West Indian Andre Russell in Australia’s T20 Big Bash League because its color marks the ball. The Sydney Thunder star used the bat with a black blade and pink handle during Tuesday night’s opening BBL match against the Sydney Sixers after Cricket Australia initially gave the all-clear. But after feedback from match officials that it was leaving black marks on the match ball, they reversed their permission. “As a result, we have decided to withdraw our approval for Andre to use the bat that was used last night as the color solution used by the manufacturer was discoloring the ball,” said BBL chief Anthony Everard.