Australia batter Steve Smith ‘excited’ to join Sussex on pre-Ashes deal

Australia batter Steve Smith will be available to play three matches for Sussex after signing a pre-Ashes deal with the county.

‘I am excited about joining Sussex for a few games in May and hopefully making a contribution to a successful season,’ Smith said.

‘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 added: ‘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.

‘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.’

More to follow…