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Warner Signs Full BBL Contract, Smith Agrees to Three-Year Deal with Sixers
Warner Signs Full BBL Contract, Smith Agrees to Three-Year Deal with Sixers
David Warner is set to feature for the Thunder for the entire season of the 2024-25 Big Bash
David Warner has signed a new two-year contract with Sydney Thunder, making him available for the entire BBL season for the first time. Meanwhile, Steven Smith secured a three-year deal with Sydney Sixers, allowing him to continue playing in the BBL even after his test career ends.
This announcement comes after Test teammates Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey re-signed with Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers, respectively, in preparation for the 14th edition of the tournament.
The Test stars will be available to play from the end of the Sydney Test against India until they leave for the Sri Lanka tour on January 21 next year, which also be the start of the BBL's knockout stage.
Since Warner has retired from international cricket, he can be fully available for the BBL. In the past two seasons, he has played eight matches for Sydney Thunder after a ten-year break, including a memorable game last summer where he arrived at the SCG by helicopter.
The Thunder general manager Trent Copeland mentioned that Davey is popular wherever he plays, especially in India. I believe the South Asian communities in Sydney's west will strongly support him at Thunder.
"With Davey, we gain a world-class player who brings nearly 20 years of T20 experience. Now that he has retired from international cricket, we can rely on his full dedication and focus throughout the entire tournament, including the finals."
Smith is expected to be available for up to four games with the Sixers, including a possible derby against Warner’s Thunder. Meanwhile, Labuschagne’s Heat and Carey’s Strikers each have three games during this period.
If Smith decides to retire from Test cricket within the next three years, he could potentially play a full BBL season instead of just a few matches. However, he has not set a timeline for his retirement from Australia’s Test team.
Smith mentioned I don't have any plans. I'm just enjoying playing at the moment, feeling pretty relaxed, and looking forward to this summer. India is going to be a great challenge; they are a very good side. I think we are probably the two best Test teams in the world going head-to-head over five Tests. I'm excited about that.
Smith is currently one of Australia's Test openers, having replaced Warner earlier this year. However, whether he will continue in this role remains a topic of ongoing debate.
Smith shared, The conversations I've had so far indicate that we'll go to England for the one-dayers, and then I'll make a decision after that. Discussions are happening in the background. Usman [Khawaja] has mentioned he prefers me batting at No. 4, and I think Marnus feels the same way. We'll see how it goes. I'm happy to bat anywhere.
Smith, who was left out of Australia's T20 World Cup squad last winter, played for the Ricky Ponting-coached Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket this July, where he led the team to a title victory.
On the other hand, Labuschagne will rejoin the Brisbane Heat, the reigning champions and his long-term BBL team, after the conclusion of India's tour of Australia on January 7.
New Heat coach Johan Botha added that his game sense is great and he could be a good asset for the team. With the strikers, Carey has committed to a four-year contract with the Adelaide Strikers, where he has played all 56 of his BBL games over his eight-year career. This season, the Strikers will be coached by Tim Paine, Carey's predecessor as Test wicketkeeper.
None of the big three fast bowlers—Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins—have signed with BBL teams so far. They are expected to take breaks from bowling before the Sri Lanka tour.
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