Big Bash League 2023/24

Watch: Steve Smith falls first ball after being sledged by David Warner

by Wisden Staff January 12, 2024 - 10:02am 1 minute read

Watch: David Warner cheekily sledged Steve Smith during the Sydney derby in the BBL moments before the latter was dismissed for a golden duck on Friday (January 12).

Warner, who landed at the SCG on a helicopter in order to play the game, was in jovial spirits when he took the field, trying to distract his opponent Smith, who was opening the batting for Sydney Sixers. The recently retired Warner, who was mic’d up, kept walking near Smith as he tried to mark his guard by constantly chirping in his ears.

Warner, playing his first BBL game since January 2023, was heard saying, “Nothing’s distracting him [ Smith], nothing is ever distracting him,” while attempting to switch his focus by bringing his attention to a mark on his shoe. It was a clear attempt by Warner to divert Smith, who has admitted to being obsessive and a “headcase” while batting.

“He’s got a mark on his foot there, so he might be fidgety about that.”

Warner also suggested Smith was not marking his guard at the centre of the stumps, walking up to his Australia teammate to ensure the batter could hear him. “Nah, that is not centre. A little bit to the right. Mate, if you open the batting, you got to mark it properly mate. One go only.”

The chatter seemingly got to Smith who ended up skying a pull from outside off to deep square leg, falling on the very first ball of the match. This was the first time since 2015 that Smith was dismissed for a golden duck in T20s.

Sydney Sixers ended their innings at 151-7. Josh Phillipe top-scored with a 35-ball 47.