Steve Smith has agreed to a short-term deal to play three County Championship matches for Sussex ahead of this summer’s Ashes.
The world’s No. 2 Test batter will be available in May for trips to Worcestershire and Leicestershire and a home fixture against Australian teammate Marnus Labuschagne’s Glamorgan.
He could also find himself facing England pacer Ollie Robinson, who plays for Sussex, in the nets. Another Sussex quick, Jofra Archer, who famously sconed Smith at Lord’s in the 2019 series, is due to be away playing in the IPL.
Smith is eager to play first-class cricket in English conditions in preparation for the Ashes, which take place in June and July.
Australia could also qualify for June’s World Test Championship final at The Oval.
The 33-year-old, who had a spell playing T20 for Worcestershire in 2010, registered 774 runs at an average of 110.57 in the last Ashes series in England in 2019.
Sussex, who finished second bottom in Division Two in 2022, had an overseas vacancy following an injury to West Indies seamer Jayden Seales.
Sussex Cricket CEO Rob Andrew said in a statement: “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.
“Our Championship form has not been good enough for a number of years and under the new direction of head coach Paul Farbrace, we are looking to be positive and ambitious.
“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 has never had too much trouble batting in England, averaging just under 60 in the country over the course of 16 Tests.
“I am excited about joining Sussex for a few games in May and hopefully making a contribution to a successful season,” said Smith.
“I am particularly looking forward to working with the younger players in the squad and hoping I can provide some guidance to them.”
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