Steve Smith signs BBL contract with Sydney Sixers

Seasoned batsman and legspinner Smith has played for the Sixers franchise before and has amassed 499 runs- averaging 31.18- including four fifties in the magenta jersey. While the batsman’s availability for the 2019-20 BBL season will be subjected to his national duties, the franchise is still hopeful of Smith playing in the late season.

The former Australia captain has expressed his excitement to represent the Sixers again and has promised to show up after his national commitments are fulfilled in January 2020.

"I am excited about getting an opportunity to play for the Sydney Sixers again. When the schedule came out and I saw there was a chance to wear the magenta again I jumped at the opportunity and look forward to joining up with the team after my January national team commitments have ended," Smith said in a statement on Friday, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

Meanwhile, Sixers general manager Jodie Hawkins has heavily praised Smith and believes that his addition to the squad would be great for the franchise.

"We couldn't be more excited to see Steve back in magenta this season," she said. "He was a part of our original squad that won the first BBL back in January 2012 and to see him return to our setup again is going to be brilliant. He's an asset not just on the field but also for our young players,” Hawkins stated.

"Sixers fans will also be delighted to see him back in team colours later this season after the international season."

The Sixers begin their campaign in the 2019-20 season against the Perth Scorchers on December 18.