David Warner will be fully available for the BBL for the first time in his career after signing a new two-year contract with Sydney Thunder. Steven Smith could continue to play in the league even beyond his Test career, thanks to a fresh three-year deal with Sydney Sixers.
Alongside Warner and Smith, fellow Test players Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey have also re-signed with their respective teams, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers, ahead of the BBL’s 14th season.
The Test stars are expected to be available from the end of the Sydney Test against India until they depart for the Sri Lanka tour on January 21, coinciding with the start of the BBL's knockout stage. However, Warner, having retired from international cricket, now has the opportunity to participate in the entire BBL season without any interruptions. Over the last two seasons, Warner has played eight matches for Thunder after a decade-long absence, including a memorable game last summer where he arrived at the SCG by helicopter.
Trent Copeland, Thunder’s general manager, expressed excitement about Warner’s full availability, noting his popularity and world-class talent. Copeland stated that with Warner's retirement from international cricket, the team can now rely on his undivided attention and commitment throughout the tournament, including the finals.
Smith, on the other hand, is expected to be available for up to four games with the Sixers, including a possible derby against Warner’s Thunder. If Smith chooses to retire from Test cricket within the next three years, he would theoretically be free to play an entire BBL season, rather than just a few appearances. However, Smith remains undecided about his Test career timeline, stating that he currently has no plans to retire and is simply enjoying his cricket. He is looking forward to the upcoming summer, particularly the challenge of facing India in a five-Test series.
Smith, who recently took over as one of Australia's Test openers after Warner’s departure, acknowledged that his batting position could still be a topic of discussion. He mentioned that conversations are ongoing and that he is flexible about where he bats in the lineup.
Smith, who was part of the Sixers team that won the inaugural BBL in 2012, has been sporadically available for the league in recent years but made a significant impact with a standout performance two seasons ago, becoming the first male Sixers player to score a century, doing so twice in a five-game stretch.
Despite being left out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad last winter, Smith played in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in July under Ricky Ponting’s coaching, leading Washington Freedom to a title victory.
Meanwhile, Labuschagne will return to the Brisbane Heat, the reigning BBL champions and his long-time franchise, following the conclusion of Australia’s tour of India on January 7.