- Stars to play in the Sydney BBL derby
- Warner is doing everything he can to participate
- Has signaled the intention to continue playing in BBL
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Retired Test cricket star David Warner is doing everything he can to ensure his rare Big Bash League showdown against Steve Smith goes ahead, with several aircraft, including a private helicopter, on standby to take him to Friday's match.
Smith will make a one-off appearance for the Sixers in their Sydney derby and Warner is determined to be part of the game, despite his brother's wedding being held that day in the Hunter Valley, almost 250km above ground .
“I've booked a few planes waiting for the weather,” Warner said.
“I can't remember how long the reception or the wedding party (lasts)… it's a fine line.
'I think it's about a 45-minute drive from Cessnock. It may be tight, but I'm doing my best to make it work for the day.”
Warner hopes to play in the Big Bash League's Sydney derby but will have to get a helicopter to the venue from his brother's wedding
Steve Smith will also feature in the derby in a one-off appearance for the Sydney Sixers
Warner has form on the board when it comes to helicopters.
He famously brought his groomsmen in by helicopter for his wedding to current wife Candice at Terrara House Estate on the New South Wales south coast in April 2015.
He also previously took a private charter flight around Sydney in a helicopter before the New Year's Test in 2015.
Warner brought his groomsmen in by helicopter for his wedding to wife Candice in 2015
Warner's current contract with the Thunder expires at the end of this season, but he is keen to continue playing for the BBL franchise.
“I'm definitely looking forward to playing Big Bash next year,” he said.
'There will be conversations behind the scenes to give me the opportunity to do this.
“Obviously I have joined the Fox commentary team for the Test series against India next year, which I am looking forward to.
“There's a BBL window that we can play… so I'd like to play that in and around the commentary. I just have to make sure that, firstly, I play to the best of my ability and secondly, I don't hinder the team's performance or disrupt the balance of the team.”
Warner has indicated that he plans to continue playing for the Thunder in the Big Bash League beyond this season when his contract expires
The retired Test batsman (pictured with Isa Guha, left, and Mark Waugh) will have to juggle his BBL commitments with his new gig as a commentator
Smith scored 346 runs at a strike rate of 175 in a five-match BBL stint last season.
He will add to a top order that is starting to find rhythm after James Vince (79) and Daniel Hughes (41) orchestrated a comfortable chase of Melbourne Stars' 156 on Saturday.
“I think it's huge for the Sydney Smash (to get Smith back), I'm not sure Davey will play too,” Sixers spinner Todd Murphy said.
“We know how good (Smith) has been for us especially over the last year and what he can bring.
'Hopefully we can build on the win and carry some momentum into the final.'