Steve Smith is set to join Sydney Sixers for 13th season of Big Bash League

Australia’s Star batsman and two times World Cup winner Steve Smith will return to the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming BBL13 season, the club announced on Sunday.

Sydney Sixers fans will be delighted to see their homeboy playing for second consecutive season for.  He had an explosive stint with the club in BBL12 but it was pretty remarkable. In just five appearances last season, Smith amassed 346 runs at a blistering strike rate of 174.74.

It was an interesting story that in all eleven seasons of Big Bash League, no Sixers’ male batter ever scored a century. Smith playing after a long time, registered his name into Sixers’ historybooks by becoming the fourth player and first male to score a century.

Steve Smith’s short stint with the Sydney Sixers was nothing short of remarkable. In just five matches, he scored two centuries, including an unbeaten 125 from 66 deliveries against the Sydney Thunder. This was the fifth-highest individual score in BBL history.

Smith’s performances were not only statistically impressive, but they were also entertaining to watch. He was a key player in the Sixers’ success, and his return to the team will be a major boost.

“It’s great to be back in the Sixers shirt,” Smith said from India, where he is currently with the Australian T20I squad. “I’ve got some really fond memories playing for the Sixers. I’m an original [Sixer], I was part of the first squad, and I really enjoyed my time playing last year for the five games and the finals that I played. So, I’m keen to get out there again.”

The 34-year-old will make his BBL13 debut for the Sixers in their opening match against the Melbourne Renegades at the SCG on Friday, December 8th. Smith’s inclusion sets up a blockbuster clash with his Australian teammates and Renegades recruits Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa.

READ MORE: Steve Smith’s Top 5 Test Centuries For Australia

After his Test duties with Australia are complete, Smith is anticipated to make a comeback for the Sydney derby on January 12. Despite coming agonizingly close to making the BBL12 grand final, the Sydney Sixers were defeated by the Brisbane Heat in the challenger final.

The return of Steve Smith is a major boost for the Sydney Sixers as they aim to go one step further in BBL13 and claim their third championship title.