Smith to stick on for BBL
STEVE Smith will delay his entry into Australia’s Test camp in a bid to spearhead the Sydney Sixers to a fourth Big Bash title.
Fox Cricket recorded its highest ratings of the season for the Sydney Smash blockbuster, as the must-watch dynamic of Smith smashing boundaries while Australian teammate David Warner plotted his downfall on the live mic enthralled viewers.
And on the back of the batting superstar’s second consecutive BBL hundred at the SCG, it can be revealed Australian coach Andrew McDonald has now given Smith permission to play the Sixers’ first final on January 28 before joining camp for the tour of India.
Members of the Australian team are due to train in Sydney starting on Saturday, but Smith has received an extension to continue headlining the BBL before flying to India on January 31.
Smith’s confirmed inclusion is a massive boost for the Sixers, given the magnitude of The Qualifier Final they’ll play against the Perth Scorchers next Saturday at either Optus Stadium or the SCG.
The winner of the top-ofthe-table playoff gains direct entry into hosting the Big Bash Final, while the loser must then face an elimination preliminary final if it is to secure a place in the decider.
Should Perth beat the Melbourne Renegades on Sunday night and lock in top spot, the Sixers will go to Western Australia for The Qualifier Final where Smith’s big-game pedigree will become an even more vital asset.
With Smith due to fly to India on January 31, there is no way he can play the BBL Final on February 4 – however if he can help the Sixers book a home Final at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he will have already put the men in magenta in the box seat for a third title in four years and fourth overall.