Red-hot Steve Smith 'due to fail': Hurricanes captain

In-form Steve Smith is bound to play a big part when the Sydney Sixes host the Hobart Hurricanes. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Ben McDermott believes in-form Sydney Sixers batter Steve Smith is "due to fail" as Hobart sweat on the availability of two gun bowlers for the BBL's grand final qualifier.

While the Sixers expect Mitch Starc to shake off a shoulder issue, the visiting Hurricanes will wait until game day on Friday to make a call on pacemen Nathan Ellis and Chris Jordan.