WATCH: David Warner plays mind games with Steve Smith before latter falls for duck

David Warner might have just retired from Test and ODI Cricket but his competitive spirit has not died down. It was evident during the Big Bash League 2023 game on Friday between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. 

Steve Smith was opening the batting for the Sixers along with James Vince with Daniel Sams who was ready to bowl. The 34-year-old has already been named as the Test opener along with Usman Khawaja.

David Warner sledges Steven Smith and Smith dismissed on a golden duck.pic.twitter.com/Gka55pHMVU

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 12, 2024

This is the first time that Smith will open the batting in the longest format of the game. The Australia team are set to take on West Indies in a Two-match Test series set to begin soon. Meanwhile, David Warner came up with some useful tips for his former teammate in the most hilarious manner. 

David Warner gets under Steve Smith’s skin –

It was the Sydney derby as the Big Bash League 2023 saw David Warner and Steve Smith on the opposite sides. Just as Smith was walking out to bat, Warner could be seen and heard chirping in order to distract the 34-year-old.

David Warner was heard saying “Nothing’s distracting him, nothing ever distracts him. He’s got a mark on his foot there. So he might be fidgety about that. Nah! That’s not the centre, a little bit to the right. Mate if you open the batting you‘ve gotta mark it properly. One go only, Nah! He’s locked in”

The ploy became successful as Smith mistimed a pull to be caught by McAndrew off Sams for the first ball duck. The recently retired Warner was seen in glee as he was celebrating with his teammates with Smith walking back to the hut.

Joshua Philippe then took charge and added 59 runs for the second wicket before Vince fell for 27. The Sixers wicketkeeper top had scored 47 while Jordan Silk scored 35 to help the Sixers reach 151. McAndrew and Tanveer Sangha picked two wickets each to limit their opposition to a par score. 

With 152 to chase, David Warner and Alex Hales came up with a spirited response. Hales, in particular, was severe on the Sixers bowling as Warner was sedated. Steve O Keefe got the big wicket of Hales for 28 before getting Bancroft for two. The Sixers bowlers kept the pressure on the opposition with wickets at regular intervals. 

The biggest blow was yet to come when O Keefe had the wicket of Warner for 37 off 39 balls to kill the Thunder's hopes. Sixers had won the game by 19 runs and booked their place in the playoffs. Thunder on the other hand had already been eliminated from the tournament.