Smith, who had torched an unbeaten 121 runs against Perth Scorchers and another half-century in his three-match stint last season, will be available for the Sixers' final three regular-season fixtures
Steve Smith, Usman Khwaja, Marnus Labischagne (Pic: File Pic)
After leading Australia to a 4-1 triumph against England in the Ashes series. Steve Smith, along with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, could be in action for their Big Bash League (BBL) teams after the conclusion of the Sydney Test match, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Several players from the Ashes squad would feature in the BBL, the portal further stated. Mitchell Starc will also return to the Sydney Sixers in the competition for the first time in 11 years, whereas Travis Head will be skipping the tournament.
Head, who concluded the Ashes series as a top run-scorer with 629 runs, said that he would be opting for rest before heading into the T20 World Cup 2026. He registered three tons in the rivalry against the "Three Lions".
Scott Boland, who was the third-highest wicket-taker in the Ashes series, would not feature for the Melbourne Stars. He registered 20 wickets to his name. On the other hand, Cameron Green will have some time off away from the game.
Smith, who had torched an unbeaten 121 runs against Perth Scorchers and another half-century in his three-match stint last season, will be available for the Sixers' final three regular-season fixtures, starting with Sunday's fixture against Hobart Hurricanes. Currently at fourth spot with four wins and three losses, they are trying to make it to the finals and are three points away from overtaking the Hurricanes (10 points).
Starc is expected to be a part of the clash against the Sydney Thunder and later against the Brisbane Heat on January 16 and 18, respectively. He had announced his T20I retirement last year.
Australia will be playing three T20Is in Pakistan before the T20 World Cup, and players will depart for Pakistan in a staggered manner depending on how far their BBL franchises go in the tournament.
The squad which will travel to Pakistan for the T20Is is yet to be announced, but is likely to feature some additional names besides the 15-man T20 WC squad led by Mitchell Marsh.
BBL player availability
From January 10: Alex Carey (Strikers), Brendan Doggett (Renegades), Josh Inglis (Scorchers), Usman Khawaja (Heat), Marnus Labuschagne (Heat), Todd Murphy (Sixers), Steven Smith (Sixers), Jake Weatherald (Hurricanes), Beau Webster (Hurricanes)
From January 14: Michael Neser (Heat)
From January 16: Mitchell Starc (Sixers).
(With ANI Inputs)
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