Rain interrupted the highly awaited return of Steve Smith to the Big Bash League (BBL) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The match between the Sydney Sixers and the Hobart Hurricanes was abandoned after just five overs due to inclement weather.
Match Overview
The game took place on Sunday afternoon, with the Sixers scoring 32 runs without loss before the rain brought play to a halt. Smith was at the crease, notching up 19 runs off 16 balls, including a six and a four. His performance was cut short when the skies opened, denying fans a chance to see him further showcase his skills.
Impact of Rain on the BBL
Sean Abbott, a paceman for the Sixers, expressed disappointment over the rain’s interference. He noted, “It would’ve been nice to have seen ‘Smudge’ (Smith) and Babar bat for a while there together.” The match conditions also have financial implications, as Cricket Australia will need to refund tickets due to play lasting less than the required six overs.
Current Standings and Future Matches
Up to this point in the BBL season, the Hurricanes were positioned well, needing a victory to secure first place. However, the abandonment resulted in them receiving only one point, leaving them vulnerable. Should they lose their upcoming game against the Brisbane Heat, and if the Melbourne Stars win their last two matches, the Hurricanes could lose their top place.
BBL|15 Standings Summary
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | No Results | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart Hurricanes | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 13 |
| Melbourne Stars | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Sydney Sixers | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| Perth Scorchers | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 8 |
| Brisbane Heat | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| Adelaide Strikers | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| Melbourne Renegades | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| Sydney Thunder | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
Looking Ahead
Steve Smith remains available for the remainder of the BBL season. He notably scored a Test century at the SCG just a week prior. The Sixers will host the Sydney Thunder on Friday night, marking the return of Mitchell Starc, who is set to play his first BBL game since 2014.
