'Decimated' Oz mulls rule change to allow 'overseas' players to play first-class cricket

In a bid to strengthen the Sheffield Shield and to look for a saviour of Australian cricket, Cricket Australia is considering a rule change that would allow players such as Middlesex batsman Sam Robson, to return to the Australian system, even with dual passports.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, CA will consider broadening the definition of an overseas player so that the likes of Robson, former Test opener Phil Jaques and former West Australian fast bowler Michael Hogan can also play first-class cricket in Australia.

All three play as locals for English counties on British passports, and effectively gave up Australian careers to do so, the report said.

CA wants to improve the depth and caliber of players in the shield, and allow more cricketers to gain county experience without sacrificing their careers in Australia and CA directors will consider the proposal on Friday, the report added.

The Argus review, following Australia's 2010-11 Ashes defeat, emphasised the need to retain tough, experienced players in domestic and grade cricket to provide the best possible grounding for younger cricketers, the report further said.