David Warner set to play full BBL season for the first time; Steve Smith signs a 3-year contract with Sydney Sixers

Former Australian opener David Warner will participate in a full Big Bash League season for the first time after signing a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder. Former Australian skipper Steven Smith has signed a long-term contract with the Sydney Sixers and committed to playing in the BBL for three more years.

David Warner retired from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Warner has never played more than six BBL games in the BBL due to international duties. David Warner has scored 301 runs in 11 innings at an average of 33.44 and a strike rate of 134.38 since his debut for Thunder in the BBL in 2011.

The Thunder also signed England wicketkeeper Sam Billings, young talent Ollie Davies, and former Test opener Cameron Bancroft. They signed Billings from Brisbane Heat on a three-year deal as a pre-draft overseas player. The Sydney Thunder finished at the bottom of the table in the last BBL edition.

Better-One Than Last Year - David Warner

David Warner is currently playing in the MAX60 tournament in the Cayman Islands. Warner said that the upcoming BBL season would be a better season for him with the bat. He added that the team has the talent and potential to improve on last season’s performance.

“This upcoming season is hopefully going to be a better one than last year,” David Warner said.

“The group of guys that we had last season really brought a lot of energy, we had a lot of fun on the field, but off the field, we gelled very well together … and this year, I think we can go a couple of steps better and play some play some good cricket.

“We’ve got great talent in the team, a good bunch of young kids as well, so hopefully that can (push us) further than last season.”

I Don't Have Any Plans - Steve Smith

Steve Smith, who was not selected for Australia's T20 World Cup squad, will join the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming BBL season. Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey will play for the Brisbane Heat and the Adelaide Strikers, respectively. Smith is expected to play up to four games for the Sixers in the BBL.

The 35-year-old batter said that he doesn't have any specific plans and is focused on enjoying his cricket at the moment. The veteran batter mentioned that he is relaxed and looking forward to the upcoming home Test summer.

"I don't have any plans. I'm just enjoying playing at the moment, I'm pretty relaxed and looking forward to this summer. India's going to be a great challenge, they are a very good side, think we are probably the two best Test teams in the world going head-to-head over five Tests. I'm excited by that," Steve Smith said.

Steve Smith was a key player for the Sydney Sixers during their inaugural BBL win in 2012. However, he had been available only occasionally in subsequent seasons. The right-handed batter made a notable impact two years ago by becoming the first male Sixers player to score back-to-back centuries in the BBL.

Also read: Sourav Ganguly gives a weird statement on Kolkata Rape and Murder case; gets thrashed by actress