Will Steve Smith Play Two Matches for Washington Freedom Between WTC and WI Test Series?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith will play two games for Washington Freedom.
- The MLC season runs from June 12 to July 13.
- Smith's experience is crucial for team performance.
- Washington Freedom aims to defend their title.
- Matches include LA Knight Riders and MI New York.
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) Star batsman Steve Smith is set to make a brief appearance in the forthcoming Major League Cricket season, positioned between the World Test Championship finale and Australia’s tour to the West Indies.
In an exciting development for the third edition of this American T20 league, the 35-year-old Smith will participate in two matches for the Washington Freedom, a team he led to victory last year.
There had been some doubt regarding Smith’s availability for this season’s MLC, which takes place from June 12 to July 13, given Australia’s packed Test schedule.
The Australian team is set to face South Africa in the WTC final from June 11 to 15 at Lord’s, followed by a series of three Tests and five T20Is in the Caribbean, with the first Test starting in Barbados on June 25.
He is expected to play for Washington in matches against the LA Knight Riders in Oakland on June 17 and MI New York in Dallas on June 21.
“It’s fantastic to have Steve Smith back with us this season, even if just for a couple of games,” said Freedom general manager Michael Klinger. “That continuity is crucial for us. He was an outstanding leader last year and a key factor in our success.”
“We hope he remains part of the Washington Freedom family for many years,” Klinger added.
Smith joins a strong Washington Freedom lineup that features head coach Ricky Ponting and includes Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, along with Kiwis Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson.
The Freedom triumphed in the 2024 tournament, defeating the San Francisco Unicorns by 96 runs in the final. Smith was named Player of the Match after scoring 88 runs off 52 balls, including seven boundaries and six sixes, leading his team to victory in the decisive match.