Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has come out in support of Steve Smith following the much-discussed “no single” incident involving Babar Azam during the Sydney derby between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. While Starc admitted he had not personally watched the moment unfold, he defended Smith’s decision as a tactical call rooted in modern T20 thinking rather than personal ego or disrespect.
The flashpoint occurred just before the Sixers opted for the Power Surge in the 11th over. Smith, reading the conditions and the match-ups, chose to deny Babar the single to keep the strike. At that point, Babar was striking at around 120, while Smith clearly fancied his chances against Ryan Hadley with the shorter boundary in play.
The move proved inspired. Steve Smith tore into Hadley for a record-breaking 32-run over, the most expensive in Big Bash League history, instantly shifting the momentum in Sixers’ favour. Although Smith attempted to retain the strike for the following over as well, Babar eventually faced the first delivery and was dismissed immediately.
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The Pakistan star walked off visibly frustrated after a laboured 47 off 39 balls, while Smith went on to complete a stunning 42-ball century as the Sixers cruised to a comfortable chase of 190. Speaking about the incident, Mitchell Starc drew parallels with another controversial yet increasingly accepted T20 tactic.
“It’s part of T20 cricket if you see a match-up you like,” Mitchell Starc explained. “We’ve seen teams retire batters out as well. You identify a favourable match-up and try to maximise it. Smithy obviously liked that match-up and took it on.”
Starc’s comments reflect the ruthless, situational nature of modern T20 cricket, where decisions are often driven by data, boundaries, and bowling match-ups rather than traditional notions of partnership batting.
Australian media reported that both Steve Smith and Babar avoided post-match interviews, likely to prevent the situation from escalating further. For Babar, the episode added to an already difficult BBL campaign, with his modest returns once again fuelling debate about his effectiveness in high-tempo T20 leagues.
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Despite the controversy, Mitchell Starc was keen to underline the professionalism of both players. “They’re two experienced international cricketers who love performing. That partnership was one of our best at the top,” he said, expressing hope that the Sixers would remain united.
With a virtual knockout clash against the Brisbane Heat looming, the Sixers will be focused on performance rather than distractions. On batting-friendly surfaces, harmony at the top of the order could yet prove decisive in their title push.
