The ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season has received a massive boost, with Australian players selected for the India tour expected to be available for the finals week. Steve Smith and David Warner, among others, will play in the playoffs for their respective teams if they finish in the top five in the points table. So far, only Smith’s Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers have confirmed their participation.
The players were expected to depart following the league stage in order to fly to India for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, according to The West Australian, the Test team will not leave the country until January 31, allowing them to participate in the BBL. In addition, no additional match fees will be paid to cricketers for playing a few extra games.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia is planning a special training clinic for the few players who will be travelling to India. It will feature the spin-bowling attack of Ashton Agar, Todd Murphy, and Mitchell Swepson, as well as batter Peter Handscomb. This effectively eliminates the quartet from the BBL finals if their team advances that far.
Steve Smith is in sublime form
Steve Smith has had an outstanding comeback in the BBL, scoring 262 runs in three innings with two consecutive tonnes. His strike rate of 131 has also been excellent in the first innings, and he has hit a whopping 18 sixes. David Warner’s return to the Sydney Thunder hasn’t gone well, but the man will be eager to help his team reach the playoffs.
The BBL’s league stage is set to conclude on January 25, with the playoffs beginning on January 27. Smith will play at least two more Sixers games, including the final league game and the qualifier against the Perth Scorchers.
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