Sutherland’s hunt for a finals place has hit a hurdle with Steve Smith missing in action.
The former Australia Test captain, banned for one-year from international and domestic cricket for his role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March, has signed up to play in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Smith will miss Sutherland’s round nine one-day clash with Northern District at Glenn McGrath Oval on Saturday as the NSW Premier Cricket season resumes after the Christmas break.
Smith captained Comilla Victorians in the opening match of the competition on Sunday, with his team downing the David Warner-led Sylhet Sixers by four wickets in Dhaka.
Smith made 16 from 17 balls before he was controversially dismissed caught behind. The Sixers reviewed the decision after Smith was given not out on the field. The third umpire reportedly had to rely on the sound of the bat with no other technology available.
Sutherland are in seventh place on the first grade table, two points behind Randwick Petersham and need to keep winning to stay in touch with the top six.
Their comprehensive nine-wicket victory over local rivals St George in their last match before the break was much-needed. The Sharks rolled St George for 178 before chasing the total for the loss of just one wicket.
Smith made his first century of the season, scoring 112 from as many balls in a 179-run partnership with Sutherland captain Chris Williams (65 not out).
Play starts at 10am.
