Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has started planning his preparations for the Ashes 2023, which will be played in England in June and July this year.
As the WTC 2023 final and the five-match Ashes Test series are to be played in England this year, Australia's Test vice-captain wants to be at his best.
Keeping this in mind, Smith has signed a short-term contract with Sussex for the upcoming County Championship 2023, which will help the Aussie star prepare for the WTC 2023 final and the Ashes 2023.
Sussex and Smith both have confirmed signing contracts for three County Championship matches, as he will be joining India’s Cheteshwar Pujara for the county side for the four-day competition.
Smith will be available for Sussex's County Championship 2023 game against Worcestershire, starting on May 4, and then for the home fixtures against Leicestershire and Glamorgan, starting on May 18.
Smith said in a Sussex statement: “I am excited about joining Sussex for a few games in May and hopefully making a contribution to a successful season. I am particularly looking forward to working with the younger players in the squad and hoping I can provide some guidance to them.”
Meanwhile, Sussex Cricket CEO, Rob Andrew, stated: “We are thrilled to have Steve Smith available for our County Championship matches in May. 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.”
Andrew added, “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.”
(With AFP Inputs)
