Sydney Sixers have strengthened their squad for the remaining matches 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 team a big boost in the race for qualification to the knockout stage.
Australia came into the fifth day as favorites and completed the task comfortably. England could add only 40 runs to their overnight score, leaving them with a target of 160, which proved too low on the final day. Openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald put on a 62-run partnership for the first wicket, before Australia lost three wickets early on.
A run-out involving Marnus Labuschagne showed some consternation. However, Alex Carey and Cameron Green calmed things down with a steady partnership and led Australia to victory. A higher target, closer to 200, could have made the final more competitive.
I love playing for the Sixers – Steve Smith
Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc have confirmed that they will return to the Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers. The duo shared an update after Australia’s recent match, with more Ashes-winning players also expected to feature in the tournament.
Smith said he enjoys playing for the Sixers and expects the team to finish the season on a high note. Starc echoed the same sentiment and said he wanted to help the Sixers reach another final.
Smith said, “I love playing for the Sixers. It’s a lot of fun. Hopefully we can finish the season well.”
“I’m certainly not looking back two years now. I’ll be capturing the magenta with the guy next to me (Smith),” Starc said in the post-match press conference for the fifth NRMA Insurance Ashes Test.
“We’ll see if we can help (the Sixers) reach another final. Apart from the BBL, I don’t have too many plans apart from golf.
Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith ready for Big Bash comeback with Sydney Sixers
Mitchell Starc is set to return to the Big Bash League for the first time since the fourth season of the BBL in Sydney Sixers colours. Steve Smith will also be back for his fourth consecutive season with the Sixers, after scoring an unbeaten 121 against the Perth Scorchers last year.
Starc came into the tournament in strong form after a stellar summer for Australia, where he won the Compton-Miller Medal after taking 31 wickets and 156 runs in five Tests. He said his immediate focus is on the Big Bash rather than future Ashes plans.
After retiring from T20 Internationals to pursue his Test career, Starc could return to the Sixers alongside Smith as early as January 11 when they face the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG.
Big Bash final 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 race for the finals is tight, with Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat all sitting on three wins. This makes Sydney Sixers’ clash against Melbourne Stars at the MCG a crucial match which could shape the top four.
Despite Babar Azam being in the team, the Sixers have not been completely successful so far this season. They recently defeated Brisbane Heat in a low-scoring match while chasing 115 runs. The Sixers are expected to get a big boost with the arrival of Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc.
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