India, Jan. 16 -- Steve Smith, fresh from leading Australia to an Ashes series win, has immediately joined the Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers. Paired with Babar Azam at the top of the batting order, it is their first time playing together for the same team. In Friday's match against Sydney Thunder, their on-field communication showed some early hiccups, highlighting the need to build chemistry.

A clear miscommunication was evident during the Sydney derby when Smith and Babar were fielding-Smith at long-on and Babar at long-off. David Warner hit a straight drive down the ground, presenting a chance to stop the boundary. Both ran toward the ball, but when they neared it, hesitation struck as no clear call was made. Babar, being clo...