Big Bash League 2019-20: Steve Smith Rejoins Sydney Sixers

Australia star Steve Smith is all set to make his first appearance in Big Bash League (BBL) in six years after re-signing for Sydney Sixers. The schedule will provide the Australia internationals a small window to play in the tournament and Smith has decided to don the Sixers jersey once again. The former Australia skipper last played for the Sydney-based outfit in 2014 and was a part of the squad that won the inaugural BBL.

He could be available for the final two regular season matches following Australia’s ODI tour of India in mid-January and then the finals series if the Sixers progress. Australia’s last ODI in India is on January 19 with the Sixers then having matches on January 23 (Brisbane Heat) and January 25 (Melbourne Renegades) before the finals.

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“When the schedule came out and I saw there was a chance to wear the Magenta again I jumped at the opportunity and look forward to joining up with the team after my January national team commitments have ended,” Steve Smith said.

With the T20 World Cup lined up next year, Smith will be keen to play as many games as possible. He recently showcased his T20 skills by blasting a stunning unbeaten 80 off 51 balls in the run chase against Pakistan in Canberra. Prior to that knock, he had also scored another unbeaten fifty against Sri Lanka in what were his first T20Is for three and a half years.

“While I know the fans will and should be excited by this development, our players will benefit from his skills, support and perspectives on the game,” the Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd said. “Steve was instrumental in our recruitment of Josh Philippe and Josh, along with other youngsters in our squad like Jack Edwards, Lloyd Pope, Tom Curran and Justin Avendano, will be the better for sharing a dressing room with an Australian great.”

The Sixers, meanwhile, have released New South Wales captain and former Australia wicketkeeper Peter Nevill in order to make room for Smith. The Australia batting star will also ply his trade for Rajasthan Royals in the next IPL.