Having previously announced his retirement from all forms of the game earlier this year, Higgs will turn out for the ACT Comets against Victoria in Melbourne next week.

Higgs’ return to the crease comes on the back of speculation the 36-year-old is in line for a return to top level state cricket, six years after playing his last game for South Australia.

“There’s been a bit of interest around about me possibly signing up for the Big Bash so I’ve been asked to start playing cricket again,” Higgs said.

“I’ve played a couple of games with Queanbeyan already [this season] and now it’s about getting some match fitness under my belt with the Comets and hopefully playing some Big Bash at the end of the year.”

While Higgs has not yet secured a Big Bash call up, the veteran all-rounder did his chances no harm after taking five wickets for a South Australian Cricket Association side last week. Big Bash franchises must have their squads finalised by the end of November.

Higgs has previously represented the Comets, NSW and South Australia in the top tier of Australian domestic cricket but over the past few years has increasingly turned his attention to the coaching side of the game.

And having recently celebrated his son Jack’s first birthday, Higgs’ playing career appeared to have come to an end following Queanbeyan’s all conquering 2011/12 season.

But the chance of returning to the national stage has proven too tempting a lure to refuse.   

“As a cricketer you want to play at the highest level and it’s no different for me, I’ve always enjoyed playing high level cricket,” Higgs said. “There’s always that carrot in front of you.

“When I was retired I obviously enjoyed my weekends with my family…but I sat down and spoke about it with my wife and the fact that this is an opportunity for me to have a last hurrah.”