Last Updated on 3 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Steve Smith sent a timely reminder to national selectors, smashing a remarkable 42-ball 100 for the Sydney Sixers against Sydney Thunder on Friday.
After David Warner hit another century – this time an unbeaten 65-ball 110 – Smith then took matters into his own hands against a listless Sydney Thunder attack. He made a mockery of their score of 189, smashing nine sixes – including a 107-metre monster that hit the roof of the SCG – in an exhibition of T20 hitting.
In one of the most talked about moments from the Sydney Smash, Smith denied Babar Azam a single at the end of the 11th over, before immediately signalling for the power surge. Babar, who had faced three consecutive dots previously, was unhappy with the call, but Smith was undeterred.
The great batsman then took to Ryan Hadley, hitting him for four sixes off the first four balls. The fifth delivery was a no-ball four, and even a 36+ over was possible at that point. In the end, the 12th over went for 32 – a BBL record.
Fans call for Steve Smith to be picked in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad after 100 (42) for the Sydney Sixers
Smith wasn’t named in Australia’s preliminary 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, squad changes can be made up until January 31, and there have been calls for Smith to be included.
While Smith’s innings at the SCG was spectacular, it did come against a Thunder side without an international bowler. However, his ability to play spin could prove pivotal in the subcontinent. He has the game to keep things ticking at number three, and it will be interesting to see if the selectors are swayed.
“Get him back in the Aussie T20 team!! Are you telling me Matt Short is better than Steve Smith?,” wrote Andrew Menczel of the Cricket Unfiltered Podcast on X (formerly Twitter).
Below are some of the reactions to Smith’s knock.
Smith is previously on record of stating he wants to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That is a possibility when he’s in this kind of form.
Smith’s attention now turns to Sydney Sixers’ crunch match against Brisbane Heat on Sunday. The winner of that encounter will qualify for the BBL 2025/26 playoffs.
