Australia's star batter a prized signing for the Sydney Sixers after leading them to glory in BBL's inaugural season
Big Bash return to prime Smith for T20 World Cup
Steve Smith says his return to the Sydney Sixers will form an integral part of his preparations for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup on home soil.
The Sixers’ announcement of the world’s No.1 Test batter as their prized signing for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season has rekindled “some pretty fond memories” for Smith.
The prolific right-hander led the Sixers to the title in the inaugural summer of the competition in 2011-12, when he was in the formative stages of his decorated international career.
Smith will don the magenta for the first time in six years in January, set to be available for the Sixers' last two or three games of the regular season and all of the BBL Finals, should they qualify.
While his exploits in Test and 50-over cricket are well known, he sent a timely recent reminder that he’s also a formidable force in the shortest format with an exquisite 80 not out from 51 balls against Pakistan in Canberra earlier this month.
His T20 career – during which he has scored one century and 21 half-centuries – has also taken in stints in the Indian and Caribbean Premier Leagues.
“I think T20 cricket in general has really helped the development of players in all formats over the years,” the 30-year-old said on Friday.
“I loved my time playing here (at the Sixers) back in the day and it’s great to be back playing now.
“I’ve got a lot of mates in the side who I hope I can share some experiences with and help improve.
“I’m just excited to be back in the magenta again.”
Smith will be a key member of Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign as they look to win the event for the first time.
Australia have finished the year unbeaten in the format, underlining their improvement under skipper Aaron Finch and coach Justin Langer.
Smith said his appearances for the Sixers would only be beneficial ahead of the showpiece event, with the final to be held at the MCG on November 15 next year.
His first game for the Sixers could be against the Melbourne Stars at the SCG on January 20, but should he not be right for that match he is set to come up against the Brisbane Heat and South Africa legend AB de Villiers on January 23 at the Gabba.
The Sixers’ final regular season game is at home on January 25 against reigning champions Melbourne Renegades.
“We’ve got a T20 World Cup around the corner, so any opportunities to play T20 cricket and keep developing those skills, it’s a big plus,” Smith said.
He displayed his supreme ability to change gears this week when he posted his slowest first-class century – from 290 balls – for New South Wales in their Marsh Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia.
That knock came just a week after he put Pakistan’s attack to the sword in Canberra.
Smith said he relied on timing, placement and his game smarts for success in T20 cricket.
“I play a little bit differently to a lot of the stronger guys,” he said.
“I can’t hit those big sixes at will. For me, it was just finding a way that I need to play to be striking at a good amount.
“Getting off strike and not soaking up dot balls is really important. Everyone does it differently.
“If I’m batting with someone that can smack the ball out of the park, it’s my job just to get them on strike essentially.
“I think I’ve got a lot of experience and I’m able to play in different situations.
“Hopefully I can help the Sixers have some success in the games I’m available for.”
The Sixers have lost two finals since Smith led them to glory – in BBL|04 and BBL|06.
They will start their BBL|09 campaign against three-time champions Perth Scorchers at the SCG on December 18.