Only five overs were possible before persistent rain forced abandonment of the Sydney clash

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Rain ruined Steven Smith’s much-anticipated return to the Big Bash League, with Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes forced to split points after just five overs of play at the SCG on Sunday.

Smith, opening the batting for the Sixers, managed a brief but entertaining stay at the crease before bad weather set in. He struck a pull shot for six and clipped a four past square leg, showing flashes of the form that saw him score a Test century at the same venue a week earlier. The right-hander was also handed a life on 15 when Mitchell Owen failed to cover enough ground to complete a catch off Beau Webster.

Moments later, around 2.30pm, the covers were brought on as rain intensified. Despite hopes of a restart, conditions failed to improve and the match was officially abandoned at 4.22pm, with both teams sharing the points.

At the time of abandonment, the Sixers were 32 without loss, with Smith unbeaten on 19 off 16 balls and Babar Azam on 9 from 14 deliveries. Smith is set to remain available for the rest of the BBL season.

The washout also has implications off the field, with Cricket Australia expected to refund tickets as play did not reach the six-over minimum threshold. The outcome was particularly frustrating given Sydney experienced clear skies and temperatures above 40°C just a day earlier.

For the defending champion Hurricanes, who currently lead the BBL points table, the abandoned match could prove costly. Hobart missed the chance to secure top spot and now risk losing first place if they fall to Brisbane Heat in their final league match and Melbourne Stars win their remaining fixtures.

The Sixers, sitting fourth, remain firmly in the finals race and will receive a major boost with Mitchell Starc set to play his first BBL match since 2014 when they face Sydney Thunder on Friday night.