WATCH: Steve Smith goes for a duck on first ball after David Warner's cheeky 'opening' banter in SIX vs THU clash

After Australia's three-match home Test series against Pakistan, star batters Steve Smith and David Warner have returned for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 season. Warner joined Sydney Thunder and their clash against Sydney Sixers on Friday was his first competitive cricket since retiring from the Test and ODI formats earlier this month.

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Warner and Smith share a great camaraderie on and off the field, but when they came face-to-face at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the two engaged in a cheeky banter that resulted in the latter's wicket. Smith opened the innings for Sixers after they were inserted into bat first. Warner, who was mic'd up, speaking to the broadcasters, was seen inviting his compatriot to the crease with some pre-match banter. 

The southpaw tried to distract the Sixers' batter with some playful comments. Smith was marking his foot before taking the first ball and Warner was heard to advise him to mark it properly if you are opening your innings. The teasing, however, was a massive build-up by the former Test opener, as it resulted in Smith getting out for a duck on the very first delivery. 

"Nothing's distracting him. Nothing ever distracts him. But I say, actually, he's got He's got a mark on his foot there. So he might. He might be fidgety about that. No, that's not centre. A little bit to the right, mate. If you open the batting, mate, you gotta mark it properly. One go only. No, he's He's locked in. He's locked in," said Warner. 

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Smith replaces Warner as Australia's Test opener

Warner's remarks were also in reference to Smith's new role in Test cricket. Cricket Australia have confirmed that the veteran middle-order batter will open the innings in the upcoming series against West Indies. Earlier, Warner also backed Smith to bat up the order after the right-hander expressed his desire to challenge himself. 

“I think he'd go well. I think he's probably the best Test batter in the world. He just finds the way. I think for Steve, it's probably the challenge of it, which I think he probably wants to get into,” said Warner.

Australia will host Windies for a multi-format tour starting on January 17 with a two-match Test series. The first Test will be played in Adelaide and the second in Brisbane on January 25. All-rounder Cameron Green will replace Warner in the starting XI, who will probably bat at No.4 in Smith's regular position.