Star Australian batter Steve Smith is poised to make a dazzling return to the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season 13, as announced by the club. Smith, one of cricket’s all-time greats, is expected to grace the Sydney Smash against Sydney Thunder on January 12, featuring a heavyweight clash with his Australian teammate David Warner. The prolific batsman will be sporting the magenta jersey for a second consecutive year after an explosive stint with the club last summer.
The Sydney Sixers, in a statement, confirmed the return of the Australian and Sydney Sixers champion, stating, “Australian and Sydney Sixers champion, Steve Smith, is set to return to the club again this summer for BBL|13.”
Fans will have the opportunity to witness Smith’s cricketing brilliance on December 8 as the Sixers commence their BBL|13 campaign against the Melbourne Renegades at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Smith’s impact last season was nothing short of spectacular, amassing 346 runs at a remarkable average of 86.50 with a striking rate of 174.74 in just five appearances. Notably, he achieved the rare feat of consecutive centuries, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top run-scorers.
The highly anticipated clash with the Melbourne Renegades will witness Smith facing off against his Australian teammate Nathan Lyon, who has joined the Renegades. The match is expected to be a marquee event, featuring another World Cup winner, Adam Zampa, in the Renegades lineup.
A stalwart of the Sixers since its inception, Smith has been an integral part of the team’s success, captaining them to their first Big Bash title. With 29 BBL matches under his belt, Smith has scored 965 runs at an average of 41.95 and an impressive strike rate of over 142, including two centuries and six fifties.
Speaking from India, where he is part of the Australian T20 team, Smith expressed his delight at returning to the Sixers. “It is great to be back in the Sixers shirt. I have got some really fond memories playing for the Sixers,” he said.
Sydney Sixers skipper Moises Henriques, thrilled to have Smith back, emphasized his impact on and off the field. “He is obviously someone you want playing in your side, but he is also a guy we love having around,” Henriques said.
Head of Sydney Sixers, Rachael Haynes, hailed the signing as a massive win for Sixers fans, highlighting Smith’s exceptional performances and his ability to entertain. “For our members and fans to have the opportunity to see one of the game’s biggest stars at the SCG this summer is a thrill,” Haynes added.
