Smith, who was part of the Australia Test unit that recently won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, beating India 3-1, hit form in his first BBL game of the season. It was his first T20 since July, when he had turned up in the USA to play Major League Cricket.

BBL: Steve Smith creates new record on comeback

Opening with Josh Philippe, Smith hammered the fourth T20 century of his career, and his third in the BBL. He reached his century off just 58 balls, going on to remain unbeaten. All three BBL centuries have come in the last two years, which highlight his spectacular run in the format of late: in 21 innings since the start of 2023, he averages 59.37 with a strike rate of 158.86.

The 121* is now his second-highest score in T20s, having hit 125* in January 2023. All his BBL tons have come as opener.

The third BBL century now puts him atop the list of top century-makers in the tournament, joint with wicketkeeper-batter Ben McDermott. Only seven other batters have hit multiple centuries in the Big Bash League.

Smith's century powered Sixers to 220-3, their highest score ever in BBL history. He was supported by a 23-ball 46 from captain Moises Henriques, as well as seven-ball blitz worth 23 runs from Ben Dwarshuis.

Multiple centuries in BBL: Full list