Steve Smith’s batting masterclass has thrown the gauntlet down forward of his assembly with longtime Australian teammate David Warner – however the Sydney Sixers’ marquee man has predicted runs may not come so simply this weekend.
Smith equalled his highest-ever T20 rating within the Sixers’ defeat of the Adelaide Strikers in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday, belting 101 from 56 deliveries to assist hoist his aspect to the highest of the Big Bash ladder.
The knock was a vindication on a number of ranges, not least of the additional cash forked out by Cricket Australia to lure Smith again to the BBL.
It was additionally proof that changes to Smith’s batting approach have transferred over to T20 cricket, and confirmed why he is nonetheless a masterly T20 participant regardless of falling out of favour within the Australian set-up.
While Smith shone on a batter-friendly deck in Coffs Harbour, the SCG is about to pose completely different challenges for the previous Test captain when the Sixers host the Thunder for the subsequent version of the Sydney Smash on Saturday night time.
Runs have been more durable to come back by on the hallowed floor this summer season – the 151 that the Sixers posted towards the Perth Scorchers on Sunday was the equal highest rating from 4 video games there to this point.
A wicket has not but been confirmed for the subsequent recreation however AAP understands Cricket NSW will probably use the identical deck as within the Scorchers recreation.
As he prepares to face Warner at BBL degree for the primary time since December 2013, Smith is bracing himself for the potential of one other dogfight.
“I don’t know what sort of wicket we’ll get, the last one was pretty slow,” he informed Fox.
“I think we might be on the same one so it could be another grinding game.”
After the win over the Strikers, Smith shrugged off ideas he could be hoping to get one over his Test teammate Warner however stated he was relishing the possibility to be again in magenta after three years away.
“We play to win every game so hopefully we can have another good night,” Smith stated.
“It must be a very good recreation.
“It’s been good to be again. I’ve been concerned with the franchise since day one. It’s an incredible bunch of fellows and an incredible vibe across the group. I’m actually having fun with it.”
