Australia batsman Steve Smith is in advanced talks with Sussex over a short-term County Championship contract this summer as he looks to acclimatise for the Ashes series.
The 33-year-old would be available for up to four matches before Australia’s likely appearance in the World Test Championship final at the Oval in June. He would then switch to the first Ashes Test that begins at Edgbaston on June 16.
After their home summer, Australia are due to play a four-Test series in India in February and March, with exact dates and venues still yet to be announced.
Smith has then opted not to enter the auction for the Indian Premier League, which takes place this month. He is likely to head home for a break before, ideally, picking up a short county stint that would provide preparation for the summer ahead.
Smith, who has British citizenship via his London-born mother, has previously played in the T20 Blast for Worcestershire in 2010.
In 2007, as an 18-year-old, Smith represented Sevenoaks Vine CC in Kent, which led to him playing for Surrey’s Second XI and being offered a contract at the Oval.
He turned it down to pursue a career with New South Wales.
Many counties would be interested in a player of Smith’s quality, although the disruptive aspect of a short-term deal may put some off.
Some counties have their overseas roster for the early part of their season worked out, while others will wait until after the IPL auction to see exactly what they need. Most counties have at least one of their two remaining overseas slots remaining.
Smith already has a superb Test record in England, with an average of 61.4 from 14 Tests (slightly below his career average of 61.6), including an extraordinary series in 2019 when he made three hundreds in four Tests and averaged 110.5.
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