BBL 2022-23: Steve Smith returns to Sydney Sixers for upcoming season

Australian batting ace and former Sydney Sixers skipper Steve Smith returns to the franchise for the 12th edition of the Big Bash League. Smith had led the Sydney-based franchise to their maiden title during the inaugural edition of the BBL in 2011. He has been signed as a replacement player for the upcoming season of the prestigious domestic competition.

Steve Smith burst on the scene as a bowling all-rounder, and he found great success with Sydney Sixers in 2011, leading the side to glory in the absence of Brad Haddin. Current Sixers skipper and Smith's compatriot Moises Henriques welcomed the batting great with open arms and hopes for a long run with the team.

“Steve Smith is a Sixer. He has been part of this club from the start, and he will be part of this club for as long as he wants to be. He has always known that the door is open to him playing with us again and we are really excited that our fans will get to see him in four matches in the latter half of the season, including two at the SCG. He's focused on the Test summer right now but once that is over, we will welcome him back with open arms,” Henriques said on Monday.

The Australian batting ace recently led the national side to an emphatic Test series victory against the West Indies in the absence of Pat Cummins. Smith is currently focused on the team's next assignment against the Proteas and is hoping to continue his prolific run in the longest format of the game.

"South Africa are probably the one team that have bowled well to me. My record isn't quite as good against them as some of the others. Some of the bowlers I will come up against I have come up against previously. I am really looking forward to the series like everyone else. Hopefully, I can get into a nice groove and contribute and score some runs. Focus can now completely go to South Africa and I can't wait," said Smith as quoted by Cricbuzz.