Australia Test star Steve Smith will prepare for this year's Ashes with a short stint at English county side Sussex, the club announced on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith, second in the Test batting rankings, will be available for County Championship matches against Worcester, Leicestershire and Glamorgan before the first Ashes Test starts at Edgbaston on June 16.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The signing of the former Australia captain, who averages more than 60 in 92 Tests, will give him valuable batting practice in English conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I am excited about joining Sussex for a few games in May and hopefully making a contribution to a successful season," said the 33-year-old.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I am particularly looking forward to working with the younger players in the squad and hoping I can provide some guidance to them."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sussex Cricket CEO Rob Andrew said he was delighted by the high-profile signing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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 said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith joins India Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who previously agreed a return to Sussex for the 2023 season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n