The Sydney Sixers have strengthened their squad for the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) by adding some of the biggest names in world cricket. Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc will join the Sixers after their Ashes success, giving the side a major boost in the race for qualification to the knockout stage.
Australia came into Day 5 as favourites and finished the job comfortably. England could add only 40 runs to their overnight score, setting a target of 160, which proved too low on the final day. Openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald put on a 62-run opening stand before Australia lost three quick wickets.
A run-out involving Marnus Labuschagne showed some nerves. However, Alex Carey and Cameron Green calmed things down with a steady partnership and guided Australia to victory. A higher target, closer to 200, could have made the finish more competitive.
I Love Playing For the Sixers – Steve Smith
Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc have confirmed they will return to action in the Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers. The duo shared the update after Australia’s recent match, with more Ashes-winning players also expected to join the tournament.
Smith said that he enjoys playing for the Sixers and hopes the team can end the season on a high note. Starc echoed the same feeling, adding that he wants to help the Sixers push for another final.
“I love playing for the Sixers. It’s great fun. Hopefully we can finish the season nicely,” Smith said.
“I’m certainly not looking two years down the road just yet. I’ll pull on the magenta with the man (Smith) next to me,” Starc said at the post-match press conference for the fifth NRMA Insurance Ashes Test.
“We’ll see if we can help (the Sixers) get to another final. Other than the BBL, I haven’t got too many plans other than a bit of golf.
Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith Set for Big Bash Return With Sydney Sixers
Mitchell Starc is set to return to the Big Bash League in Sydney Sixers colours for the first time since the fourth season of the BBL. Steve Smith will also be back for his fourth straight season with the Sixers, after starring last year with an unbeaten 121 against the Perth Scorchers.
Starc comes into the tournament in strong form after a standout summer for Australia, where he won the Compton-Miller Medal following 31 wickets and 156 runs across five Tests. He said that his immediate focus is on the Big Bash rather than future Ashes plans.
Having retired from T20 internationals to extend his Test career, Starc could make his Sixers return alongside Smith as early as January 11, when they face the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG.
Big Bash Finals Race Heats Up as Sixers Get Star Boost
Several Australian players from the Ashes have already returned to the Big Bash League this season. Beau Webster and Josh Inglis featured for the Hurricanes and Scorchers between Test matches.
The finals race is tightening, with Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades, and Brisbane Heat all sitting on three wins. This makes the Sydney Sixers’ clash against the Melbourne Stars at the MCG a key match that could shape the top four.
Despite having Babar Azam in their squad, the Sixers are yet to fully click this season. They recently defeated the Brisbane Heat in a low-scoring match while chasing 115. The arrival of Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc is expected to give the Sixers a major boost.
