Steve Smith reveals Big Bash League return date after committing to Sydney Sixers

In the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season 13, Australian star batter Steve Smith is set to don the magenta jersey of the Sydney Sixers once again.

Smith,who has beeen a member of the Sixers since their inaugural season, has marked his calendar for the team’s season opener. The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will be the stage for this event on December 8, where Smith will face off against the Melbourne Renegades.

This much-anticipated game may feature Smith, clashing with his World Cup-winning comrade Adam Zampa, who recently transitioned from the Stars to the Renegades.

Additionally, Nathan Lyon, a stalwart in the Test arena alongside Smith, has also joined the Renegades, setting the scene for an intriguing encounter.

Following this match, Smith’s participation will be interrupted by the Test series Australia is scheduled to play against Pakistan, commencing on December 14.

This commitment will render him unavailable for a significant portion of the BBL season. However, fans can look forward to his return for another marquee event, the Sydney Smash on January 12th, where he is expected to go head-to-head with another World Cup victor, David Warner.

Smith’s previous BBL season was nothing short of spectacular, as he amassed an impressive 346 runs across just five innings. His performance included two memorable centuries, making him the first male player to score a hundred for the Sixers, a feat that had narrowly eluded him seven times before. His remarkable 125 not out at the SCG contributed to a commanding victory over the Thunder.

Recently, Smith has embraced the role of an opener, a strategic move that aligns with his aspirations to secure this position for Australia in the T20Is, particularly with an eye towards the next T20 World Cup set to take place in the United States and the Caribbean.

As quoted by Cricket.com.au, Smith said that it was great to back with the franchise and eager to make his mark in the upcoming season.

“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 playing last year for the five or six games and the finals that I played, so I’m keen to get out there again.”

While the exact number of appearances Smith will make in BBL13 remains uncertain, his presence in the opening clash against the Renegades is assured.

“I’m really looking forward to that,” Smith said.

“Looking forward to coming up against ‘Zamps’ (Zampa) with the Renegades, obviously he’s a world class bowler, coming off the back of a magnificent World Cup for Australia.”