Steve Smith made a memorable return to BBL. Photo: AP
Steve Smith made his much-awaited return to the Big Bash League (BBL) in the league stage match between Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday (January 11). The former Sydney captain made a memorable return and slammed an unbeaten century. Smith, who is scheduled to play three matches in BBL 2025, stayed unbeaten on 121 off 64 balls as Sydney put on a huge total of 222 on the board.
The right-handed batsman completed his half-century off the 36th ball he faced. Smith, who captained Sydney to a title win in the maiden BBL season in 2012, reached a century off just 58 balls.
Smith etched his name in history books and equalled a huge BBL record. He now holds the joint record for scoring most centuries in the Australian T20 league.
With 3 tons each, Steve Smith and Ben McDermott share the top spot. Smith has only played 32 matches since his debut in 2011 while McDermott has featured in 100 matches. Smith has been a regular member of the Australian team for more than a decade and he has played very few BBL matches.
Smith's century in BBL is a reminder to the IPL franchises that he can still play T20 cricket. He went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction. He has been out of the T20 league since 2022. Smith, the former captain of Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Super Giant, did commentary in IPL 2024.
Smith to captain Australia in Sri Lanka
Steve Smith will make his return as the Test captain on the Sri Lanka tour. He will lead the visiting team in the two-match Test series against the home team. Pat Cummins will skip the tour due to personal reasons.
Australia have already qualified for the World Test Championship final and they will face Sri Lanka from June 11 to 15 at the Lord's Cricket Ground.
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