Ponting returns to T20 format

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting will play with the Hobart Hurricanes in this year's Twenty 20 Big Bash League.

The Tasmanian retired from international Twenty20 cricket in 2009 but will return to his home state for the seven-week competition.

Tigers skipper George Bailey will play with the Melbourne Stars.

Bailey says he joined the Stars because he wants to spend more time with his Melbourne-based girlfriend.

The hard-hitting right-hander averages nearly 30 in Twenty20 cricket.