SYDNEY – West Indies opener Dwayne Smith has pulled out of the Big Bash League for the second consecutive season, again citing personal problems.
The aggressive Barbadian batsman was Sydney Sixers’ big signing for the season but his absence is a major blow to their batting order.
Smith was signed by Perth Scorchers last season, but failed to make his scheduled flight to Australia for personal reasons.
“While we were aware of Dwayne’s personal issues we received assurances from his management that he would be available for this season with the Sixers,” said the club’s general manager Dom Remond.
“Unfortunately Dwayne has had a relapse of his condition and that means he is unable to join us and we wish him the best with his recovery.”
When contacted yesterday, Smith confirmed he wouldn’t be playing but had no plans of discussing what personal issues he had encountered. I’m not going, but I won’t be talking about that,” he told the WEEKEND NATION.
Sixers has managed to secure the last- minute signing of Riki Wessels, son of former Australia and South Africa captain Kepler Wessels.
Wessels, 29, who plays county cricket in England, is a highly-regarded batsman-wicketkeeper with 118 T20s and a highest score of 95 not out. (CMC)