The Sydney Sixers are heading into the most dramatic phase of the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26), and the mood inside the camp has completely changed with the return of Australia’s biggest match-winners Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc.
After winning the Ashes 2025-26 against England on home soil, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc are set to return to BBL 2025-26 action, and their arrival is already making waves among the current squad. Both Ashes winners confirmed that they will play for the Sydney Sixers in the few remaining matches of the ongoing Big Bash League 2025–26.
Ashes heroes Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc are ready to ignite Sydney Sixers’ Big Bash League campaign
Starc comes after delivering one of the most impressive Ashes performances in recent years, finishing the five-match Test series as the leading wicket-taker with 31 wickets and winning the Player of the Series award. Smith was one of the leading run scorers with 286 runs in four Test matches.
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Apart from the senior pair, young spinner Todd Murphy is also expected to rejoin the Sydney Sixers squad in the ongoing BBL 2025-26. Additionally, the Sixers already have big stars like Babar Azam, Josh Philippe, Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott, and now Josh Hazlewood is also set to join the team as a supplementary player in BBL 2025-26.
While fans were excited for the return of the superstars, Joel Davis also immediately felt the heat after delivering a match-winning performance against the Melbourne Stars on 8 January, where he was named Player of the Match.
I think I might be out of the team: Joel Davis
After the match, Davis openly admitted that his place could be in danger if Smith and Starc returned to the Sixers dressing room. He said that the Sixers will turn into a star-studded team with their return, which will force the team management to take some tough decisions.
Also read: RCB fast bowler Mitchell Starc nominated for ICC Player of the Month award for December 2025
Despite the risk of missing out, Davis said bringing back players of this quality could help the Sixers chase another BBL final. “To be honest, I think I might be out of the team,” Joel Davis told the broadcaster after the BBL clash.
I don’t know, but yes, it’s going to be a star-studded line-up, so yes, some tough decisions will have to be taken. But yes, I think it would be unrealistic to bring those guys back, and hopefully we can get Starkey at some point; This would also be good.”
,@theodrop: “You bring back Smith, Starc and Murphy, what does that do for your confidence as a young player?”
Joel Davis: “Honestly, I think I might be out of the team.”#bbl15 pic.twitter.com/WnxCbK4sVD
– 7cricket (@7cricket) 8 January 2026
Mitchell Starc to don magenta after 10 years, Steve Smith ready for another BBL season
Mitchell Starc will don the magenta colors again after a long gap, as he prepares for his first Big Bash League appearance since the fourth season. He has only played 10 games in the league, but he has made a deep impact for the Sixers with his pace and control.
On the other hand, Steve Smith is also set to continue his BBL journey with Sydney Sixers. The senior batsman is returning for the fourth consecutive season. Over the years, Smith has been one of the most reliable batsmen in the league, having scored nearly 1,200 runs so far for the Sixers.
