The Sydney Sixers have pulled off a massive signing coup ahead of BBL12, adding former skipper and Australian Test great Steve Smith back into their magenta family.
Having captained the Sixers to success during BBL1 in the summer of 2011-12, Smith's name is already written into the annals of the fledgling franchise's history.
The Harbour City side's choice to sign Smith as a replacement player will no doubt see crowds flock to the SCG, but will also act as a shot in the arm for the Sixers' title chances.
Smith has not turned out for Sydney at the domestic T20 level since BBL9, however, with 714 runs to his name from 30 innings, Sixers head coach Greg Shipperd can now expect an added layer of class, clout and cleanliness from his top-order this season.
Given his Test commitments, Smith will only be available for a maximum of four regular-season appearances, starting with Sydney's home fixture against the Perth Scorchers on January 15.
Yet, with Australia's home series against South Africa set to conclude no later than January 8, Sydneysiders are expected to turn out in their droves to see Smith and the Sixers face David Warner and the Thunder on January 21 at the SCG.
Speaking in the wake of his side's prized signature, Sixers skipper Moises Henriques was overjoyed that Smith had chosen to return home.
โSteve Smith is a Sixer. He has been part of this club from the start, and he will be part of this club for as long as he wants to be,โ Henriques said on Monday.
โHe has always known that the door is open to him playing with us again and we are really excited that our fans will get to see him in four matches in the latter half of the season, including two at the SCG.
โHe's focused on the Test summer right now but once that is over, we will welcome him back with open arms.โ
Despite holding a BBL average of 23.80, Smith has proven stronger on the international stage, with the 33-year-old accruing 1008 runs at 25.20 across 51 innings for Australia.
The Sixers are set to commence their latest BBL campaign when they travel to face the Adelaide Strikers in the City of Churches on Wednesday, December 14.
