Smith rejects England stint but Warner happy to go

ONE more biosecurity bubble in India is enough for batting star Steve Smith, who has opted not to play in the inaugural edition of The Hundred in England in July.

But David Warner has put his hand up to make at least $180,000 as one of 38 Australian players chasing the remaining places in the new 100ball competition via the upcoming draft.

Warner was a marquee signing for the Southamptonbased Southern Brave when they were first announced in 2019, but chose to opt out of the tournament last year before it was cancelled.

He has re-entered the tournament draft in a bid to earn one of the remaining seven overseas slots up for grabs. Warner is one of just 10 overseas players who have set the highest reserve price of $179,157.

But Smith has decided to stay at home, as has fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who has also shunned a potential milliondollar contract in the Indian Premier League.

Both had originally signed up with Cardiff-based Welsh Fire for 2020 but have opted to stay away from the UK this year.

Mitch Marsh, paceman Jhye Richardson and Big Bash player of the tournament Josh Philippe are also in the draft, which will be held behind closed doors on February 22.

Marnus Labuschagne and T20 gun for hire Dan Christian, as well as young leg-spinner Lloyd Pope are also in the draft, with the majority of Aussies likely to miss out.

NOVAK Djokovic is into a ninth Australian Open final after ending the fairytale run of Russian journeyman Aslan Karatsev with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win last night.

Djokovic remains undefeated at the event when reaching the semi-finals and will take on either fourth seed Daniil Medvedev or fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final.

For the opening set and a half, Djokovic made just one unforced error and, while he’d eventually begin to add to that tally, he never looked truly in jeopardy against a spirited but ultimately outmatched Karatsev.

Despite the loss, Karatsev is set to reap the rewards of his grand run. The world No.114 will go into the top 50 when rankings are updated.