Big Bash League: Steve Smith signs up with Sixers, Warner ready for a full-season stint

David Warner has signed up for a full-season feature in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League. The 37-year-old batter has never completed a full season in the Australian league due to his national commitments. However, Warner has now penned a two-year contract with Sydney Thunder. Over the last two editions, Warner played 8 games for the franchise, marking his return to BBL after an extended absence of 9 seasons. Steve Smith, meanwhile, has signed a three-year deal with Sydney Sixers. However, unlike the now-retired Warner, Smith is likely to limit his BBL stint with the Border Gavaskar Trophy coinciding with the T20 league in December.

David Warner ready to take on Big Bash League with a two-year deal with Sydney Thunders

David Warner hung up his boots in ODIs after Australia’s ODI World Cup victory in India in November 2023. Although the batter looked keen to make a return for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the chances seem next to none. Next, the seasoned batter wrapped up his Test career in 2023 with the conclusion of Australia’s home series against Pakistan in December. Moreover, his T20I stint concluded with Australia’s disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup earlier this year.

"I've always been part of the Thunder... I really liked the environment last year (at the Thunder). I gelled back with the boys, and I just love playing cricket," Warner said on his decision to re-sign with the franchise.

Warner debuted in the Big Bash League in 2011 with the Thunder, scoring the first century for the team as he smashed 102 off 51 against the Sixers. Throughout the league’s history, Warner has amassed 301 runs at an average of 37.62 and a strike rate of 135.58 in the 10 matches he has played so far. Warner has played 8 matches for the Thunder across the last two editions of BBL after missing the league for 10 years due to national commitments. Now that the 37-year-old has retired from international cricket, the batter will assist the Thunder in a full-season commitment.

Steve Smith signs a three-year contract with Sydney Sixers

While Smith has reaffirmed his commitment to the league with a three-year contract with the Sixers, the Fab 4 batter will participate in only 4 games this edition. The 2024/25 season of BBL is scheduled to start on December 15 and extend until January 27. During this period, the Australian Test side faces the all-important BGT showdown against touring India. With their last two defeats against the Men in Blue, the upcoming series holds significant stakes for the Kangaroos. Smith, discussing his future assignments, expressed similar sentiments.

"I don't have any plans," Smith said. "I'm just enjoying playing at the moment, I'm pretty relaxed and looking forward to this summer. India's going to be a great challenge; they are a very good side. I think we are probably the two best Test teams in the world going head-to-head over five Tests. I'm excited by that,” Smith said.

Apart from Warner and Smith, the likes of Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne have also renewed their BBL contracts. Carey has signed a four-year deal with Adelaide Strikers ahead of the 2024/25 season. Labuschagne, meanwhile, has extended his stay with Brisbane Heat. The young batter will join the Heat after concluding the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India on January 7.