Inks a one-year deal with Sussex, Steve Smith
- To get ready for the next Ashes series in England, Steve Smith has signed a short-term contract with Sussex for the upcoming season of the County Championship.
- Smith’s signing is a huge win for Sussex, who just signed Shadab Khan to play in the T20 Blast. Veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, 33, has also re-signed with Sussex for the upcoming season.
- Smith will face Worcestershire, Leicestershire, and Glamorgan across three appearances in the County Championship. Smith expressed his eagerness to contribute to Sussex’s good season by saying, “I am delighted about joining Sussex for a few games in May.” I’m excited to work with the younger players on the team and hope to be a positive role model for them.
- The former Australian captain is second in the Test batting rankings, and he has participated in 92 games for his country in the red-ball format, reaching 30 tonnes at an average of over 60. On May 18, he will play in his final Championship game before the first Ashes Test begins in Birmingham on June 16.
- The CEO of Sussex Cricket, Rob Andrew, has claimed that having “probably the world’s best batter” play for Sussex before a highly anticipated Ashes Test series is fantastic for both the club and the County Championship. “Under the leadership of new Head Coach Paul Farbrace, we are hoping to remain optimistic and ambitious after several years of subpar Championship performance. Attracting a player of Steve Smith’s stature is a huge win for our national pride and will have a positive effect on our young homegrown players, especially our bright young hitters.”