BBL 2019-20: Sydney Sixers Sign Steve Smith For Upcoming Season

Smith's availability for the upcoming edition will be determined by his selection for the ODI squad for the India series

Ace Australian batsman Steve Smith has been signed by the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming edition of Big Bash League (BBL). He was a part of the inaugural Sixers squad and he spent three seasons at the club, including the victorious BBL|01 campaign.

🙌 Can't wait to see more of this from @stevesmith49 this summer!#smashemsixers #BBL09 https://t.co/2VviAergFr

— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) November 15, 2019

“I am excited about getting an opportunity to play for the Sydney Sixers again. 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," Smith said in an official statement.

Excited to be back in the magenta for the @sixersbbl in this years big bash! https://t.co/o9DXpQqQnj

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) November 15, 2019

His availability for the upcoming edition will be determined by his selection for the ODI squad for the India series. “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,” Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd said.

👊 @stevesmith49 captained the Sixers to the inaugural @BBL title in 2012. He's got his sights set on bringing more silverware to the club this time around 🏆 Check out his first full interview since signing with the club for #BBL09 here > https://t.co/HPo5YDMtmh#smashemsixers pic.twitter.com/FhfeIlM6w0

— Sydney Sixers (@SixersBBL) November 14, 2019

BBL will start from December 17 and Sixers will play their first match of the competition against Perth Scorchers on December 18. Smith's comeback for Sixers is most likely slated for the last two to three games of the regular season, and the finals leg, after the team returns from the subcontinent. The 30-year-old has replaced wicketkeeper-batsman Peter Nevill in the squad. Across 20 matches for the Sixers, Smith has scored 499 runs at an average of 31.18. He has also taken six wickets from 18 overs with an economy rate of just over eight runs per over.