Rain plays spoilsport with the Babar-Smith show for the Sixers
Three days after winning the final Ashes Test as captain, Steve Smith joined the Sydney Sixers along with Mitchell Starc. Since his return to the league in 2020, Smith has played at a spot other than opening in only four games. Naturally, he slotted in at the top this season as well, which meant he would open with the Sixers’ pre-draft signing, Babar Azam.
Rain curtailed the Babar-Smith show
It obviously gained traction, with people excited to watch the Babar-Smith show. However, the rain at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) ruined the party. Though having been asked by Hobart Hurricanes to bat first, Babar and Smith were able to bat for five overs in front of the home crowd.
It wasn’t exactly the sort of partnership that lived up to the hype, with swing in overcast conditions making it difficult for either batter to play freely. Babar had a 57% control percentage, while Smith had a sorry 24%. Luckily for the Sixers, and less so for the crowd, rain intervened after just five overs. Sydney were batting at 32/0 when covers were brought on, and eventually, with rain remaining persistent, play never resumed.
Rain threatens Syndey’s next game
The Sixers will play their next game against the Sydney Thunder on January 16. Even then, the weather forecast doesn’t look too promising.
The Sixers currently occupy fourth place on the Big Bash League (BBL) points table with nine points from eight games. However, with the Brisbane Heat following closely with eight points from as many games, they will need things to work in their favour for a smooth journey to the playoffs.