Skipper Travis Head has hit 79 from 40 balls to lead Adelaide to 5-186 batting first against Hobart in their BBL match in Launceston.

Steve Smith says the talk around his supposed short-ball struggles this summer were a "beat-up", pointing to his long stints at the crease against New Zealand.

A sodden BBL derby, in which Sydney Thunder won after reaching 2-28 from 5.3 overs, has reignited debate over the best way to decide rain-affected games.

Rohit Sharma has the best average of any batsman against Australia in ODI matches and India will be desperate for him to play the series decider in Bangalore.

Sydney Sixers host Melbourne Stars in a top-of-the-table BBL clash at the SCG, with the two clubs' recent form being significantly different.

Australia's ODI series decider against India will be played at the same ground their resurgence as a team began last year in Bangalore.