BBL: Steve Smith to make Big Bash return for Sydney Sixers before Test summer
Steve Smith was one of the Big Bash’s biggest drawcards last season, and he’s set to return for an even more limited cameo in BBL13.
The Big Bash has locked in one of its biggest drawcards with Steve Smith to appear for the Sydney Sixers once again.
Smith will play in the Sixers’ first game against the Renegades on December 8, before likely returning to play the Sydney Smash on January 12 between the Pakistan and West Indies Test series.
Both matches will take place at the SCG as Smith looks to recapture the form that saw him light up the Big Bash last summer.
The 34-year-old played five matches for the Sixers, scoring 346 runs at an average of 86.50 including two centuries. He became the first men’s player in the club’s history to reach triple figures in a game.
It was also a chance to see Smith at the top of the order in T20 cricket, a role he is currently holding in the Australian team in their five-match series in India.
“It’s great to be back in the Sixers shirt,” Smith said.
“I’ve got some really fond memories playing for the Sixers. Obviously, I am an original, part of the first squad and really enjoyed my time last year for the five or six games and the finals that I played so I am keen to get out there again.”
The first match is set to be a showdown between Smith and Australian spinners Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon, while his return match in January could see him take on David Warner.
It’s the second consecutive season Smith has appeared in the Big Bash after his application to play for the Sixers in the BBL11 finals series was rejected.
Since then, the competition has made more of a concerted effort to ensure Australian contracted players are available for as much of the Big Bash as possible.
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Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have been made available for the Brisbane Heat for their season opener against the Melbourne Stars.
It softens the blow for the Heat after they had four players – Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson and Nathan McSweeney – ruled out of the game after they were named in the PMs XI side to take on Pakistan.
However, the competition will have fewer opportunities to see Australian stars in action across the board as a result of the condensed Big Bash schedule and the delayed Test summer.
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