Steve Smith set to play Sydney Sixers’ BBL 2023 opener

With the 2024 T20 World Cup around the corner, Steve Smith has confirmed his availability to feature in Sydney Sixers’ inaugural game of the 2023 edition against Melbourne Renegades on December 8. 

Last year, Smith featured for the Sixers at the top of the order, where he blew away the competition with two scintillating tons and 346 runs, where he was in a completely different avatar. The franchise are hopeful of the right-handed batter featuring more as the competition progresses. 

Australia are set to play Pakistan in the first Test on December 14 in Perth. Post the series; however, Smith is set to return for the Sixers on January 12 in a head-to-head clash against his national teammate David Warner in a Sydney derby. 

"The impact that Steve was able to make in such a short time last season is testament to the kind of player he is," Rachael Haynes, the head coach of Sydney Sixers, said. "We have no doubt Sixers fans can expect the same level of entertainment when he takes to the field again this summer."

However, the veteran is expected to be unavailable for a large period of the competition, including the final, with international commitments. Smith’s confirmation follows the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja, who are set to represent the Brisbane Heat before the start of the series against Pakistan.