LONDON: Australia Test star Steve Smith will put together for this 12 months’s Ashes with a brief stint at English county facet Sussex, the membership introduced on Thursday.
Smith, second within the Test batting rankings, will probably be accessible for County Championship matches in opposition to Worcester, Leicestershire and Glamorgan earlier than the primary Ashes Test begins at Edgbaston on June 16.
The signing of the previous Australia captain, who averages greater than 60 in 92 Tests, will give him useful batting follow in English situations.
“I am excited about joining Sussex for a few games in May and hopefully making a contribution to a successful season,” mentioned the 33-year-old.
“I am particularly looking forward to working with the younger players in the squad and hoping I can provide some guidance to them.”
Sussex Cricket CEO Rob Andrew mentioned he was delighted by the high-profile signing.
“To have arguably the world’s best batter play for Sussex just before an eagerly awaited Ashes Test series is great for us and the County Championship,” he mentioned.
“Being able to attract a player of Steve Smith’s calibre is a massive statement and will be of great benefit to our young homegrown players, particularly our crop of talented young batters.”
Smith joins India Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who beforehand agreed a return to Sussex for the 2023 season.
Australia will probably be defending the Ashes in a five-Test collection in June and July.
Smith, second within the Test batting rankings, will probably be accessible for County Championship matches in opposition to Worcester, Leicestershire and Glamorgan earlier than the primary Ashes Test begins at Edgbaston on June 16.
The signing of the previous Australia captain, who averages greater than 60 in 92 Tests, will give him useful batting follow in English situations.
“I am excited about joining Sussex for a few games in May and hopefully making a contribution to a successful season,” mentioned the 33-year-old.
“I am particularly looking forward to working with the younger players in the squad and hoping I can provide some guidance to them.”
Sussex Cricket CEO Rob Andrew mentioned he was delighted by the high-profile signing.
“To have arguably the world’s best batter play for Sussex just before an eagerly awaited Ashes Test series is great for us and the County Championship,” he mentioned.
“Being able to attract a player of Steve Smith’s calibre is a massive statement and will be of great benefit to our young homegrown players, particularly our crop of talented young batters.”
Smith joins India Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who beforehand agreed a return to Sussex for the 2023 season.
Australia will probably be defending the Ashes in a five-Test collection in June and July.