Warner set to play full BBL; Smith signs a 3-year contract with Sixers

For the first time in his career, David Warner will play a full season in the Big Bash League. He has signed a new two-year contract with Sydney Thunder. On the other hand, Steve Smith, who is still playing Test cricket, has signed a three-year contract with Sydney Sixers to play in the Big Bash League during the off-season from Test cricket.

In the past two seasons, David Warner has played eight matches for Thunder. Trent Copeland, General Manager of Thunder, commented on Warner, “Wherever Dave plays, he is popular worldwide, especially in India. And I know that the South Asian communities west of Sydney will support him at Thunder.”

Trent Copeland added, “With Warner, we are getting world-class talent with nearly 20 years of T20 experience on our team. And now that he has retired from international cricket, we will have his full focus and commitment for the entire tournament, including the finals.”

Steve Smith, another star player, will play four matches for Sixers, including a derby against Sydney Thunder. Although he could play the entire Big Bash season if he retired from Test cricket, Smith currently has no plans to retire.

Smith said, “I am enjoying playing at the moment. I am looking forward to playing Test cricket against India this summer. India is going to be a fantastic challenge. They are a very good team, and it seems we are probably two of the best Test teams in the world.”

Smith won the Big Bash title with Sydney Sixers in the inaugural season in 2012. He was the first Sixers player to score a century. However, Smith was omitted from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. He then played for Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket and led the team to victory.