'It's great to be back in the Sydney Sixers shirt' - Steve Smith announces BBL 13 return

Steve Smith will don the Sydney Sixers jersey for the impending season of the Big Bash League (BBL). He had a phenomenal campaign last season and will hope to replicate his performance with an eye on the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Smith missed out on playing the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons for the Sixers but he returned last season to score 346 runs in just five innings, which included consecutive centuries. He started opening the innings last season and has taken to the role like fish to water. In fact, the talismanic batter is currently opening in the ongoing T20I series against India. Smith, a part of the Sixers in the first edition of the BBL, spoke about how special it is for him to play for the Moises Henriques-led team.

"It's great to be back in the Sixers shirt. I've got some really fond memories, playing for the Sixers. Obviously, I am an original, part of the first squad, and really enjoyed my time playing last year for the five or six games and the finals that I played, so I'm keen to get out there again," Smith told Cricket Australia.

The 34-year-old will be in action in the Sixers' opening game when they host the Melbourne Renegades at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, December 8. The high-voltage clash will see Smith pitted against long-time Australia teammates Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon.

"I'm really looking forward to that. Looking forward to coming up against 'Zamps' (Zampa) with the Renegades, obviously, he's a world-class bowler, coming off the back of a magnificent World Cup for Australia," Smith said.

After this game, the former Australia captain will play for the national team in the Test series against Pakistan at home. He is expected to return for the Sydney derby on January 12.

Steve is a Sixer through and through: Moises Henriques

Moises Henriques, captain of the Sydney Sixers, was thrilled to have Smith on his side for the upcoming season of the BBL.

"Steve is a Sixer through and through. Any opportunity for him to be a part of this group, we will always jump at that chance. It goes without saying that he's one of the best players the game has ever seen. He's obviously someone you want playing in your side, but he's also a guy we love having around. He is one of the most entertaining players in the world to watch, so for our fans to get that opportunity this season is a no-brainer for us," the veteran all-rounder stated.

BBL 13 gets underway on Thursday, December 7, when Brisbane Heat host the Melbourne Stars at the Gabba.