David Warner set to be available for complete BBL season

Former Australia cricketer David Warner is all set to be available for a complete BBL (Big Bash League) season after he signed a new two-year deal with Sydney Thunder. Furthermore, Steve Smith also signed a new three-year contract to remain at Sydney Sixers.

Ahead of the new season of the marquee tournament, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey have also re-signed With Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers, respectively. It is worth noting that Australia’s Test players will be available between the end of the Sydney Test against India and the side’s departure for the Sri Lanka tour on January 21, 2025, which will be the first day of the BBL’s knockout stages. 

As for Warner, in his last two BBL seasons, the former batter played eight games for Thunder. With him having announced his retirement from international cricket, the 37-year-old will have a clear schedule for the BBL, and he is expected to be available throughout the competition. 

"Davey is popular wherever he plays, right around the world, particularly in India and I know the South Asian communities in Sydney's west will get right behind him at Thunder," Trent Copeland, the Thunder general manager was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

"In Davey we get a world-class talent with almost 20 years of T20 experience and now that he has retired from international cricket, we can count on his full focus and commitment for the entire tournament, including the finals,” he added. 

Furthermore, Steve Smith will be available in the tournament for four Sixers games, which could also include a clash against Sydney Thunder, where he could face David Warner. If Smith decides to retire from international cricket soon, he could also have a full season in the BBL; however, he admitted that he has no immediate plans. 

"I don't have any plans; 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, 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.