Australian batsman and England’s nemesis Steve Smith is set to play county cricket for the first time later this year in a bid to sharpen his game ahead of the upcoming Ashes series against the Old Enemy.
After a huge 2022, Smith has another big year in store, which continues this Sunday with his first match for the Sydney Sixers since January 2020.
For all of Smith’s individual milestones in the game, there are two major team achievements he’d love to tick off – winning away series in India and the UK.
He’ll get the chance to do both this year and is certainly giving himself the best possible chance of success in the latter.
Multiple sources have told the Herald that Smith is in advanced negotiations with Sussex, which is his most likely destination for a county stint.
Smith’s management confirmed discussions were taking place with Sussex, as well as other county teams, but said no contract had been signed yet.
Steve Smith after his hundred at the SCG last week.Credit:Getty
Approached on Thursday, Smith confirmed his interest in a county contract ahead of the Ashes, saying he thinks he might be able to squeeze “three or four” games in. Smith said something would be announced in the coming days.
“It should be a good six months or cricket with India and then the Ashes,” Smith said. “As an Australian cricketer, they’re the two biggest hurdles. It’s going to be exciting.”
The Test vice-captain would then link back with Australia ahead of a likely Test Championship final in early June.
From 16 Tests on England soil – two were against Pakistan in 2010 – Smith has an average of 59.55 with the bat. In the last overseas Ashes series in 2019, Smith plundered 774 runs at 110.57 as Australia retained the urn.
Steve Smith’s Test batting record by country
- In Australia: 4387 runs at 64.51
- In England: 1727 runs at 59.55
- In India: 660 runs at 60
- In South Africa: 411 runs at 41.1
- In Sri Lanka: 398 runs at 49.75
- In West Indies: 283 runs at 141.50
- In New Zealand: 262 runs at 131
- In Pakistan: 226 runs at 56.5
- In UAE: 174 runs at 43.5
- In Bangladesh: 119 runs at 29.75
The UK Telegraph reported last month that county sides had begun informal conversations with Smith about a short-term deal.
Smith played for Worcestershire in 2010 in the T20 Blast and has also represented Surrey’s Second XI.
England skipper Ben Stokes was asked recently about the prospect of Smith playing county cricket.
“I think it’s one of those where you’d probably prefer them not to get any game time out here before the Ashes,” Stokes told reporters. “At the same time, it is what it is.”
Steve Smith is back with the Sydney Sixers after a three-year hiatus.Credit:AAP
Smith is not the only Australian who will play red ball matches in the UK before the Ashes. Teammate Marnus Labuschagne returns to Glamorgan alongside pace bowler Michael Neser, while opening batsman Marcus Harris is at Gloucestershire.
For now, Smith is back with the Sixers after a three-year hiatus. A member of the inaugural Sixers team in 2011-12, Smith will be available for Sunday’s match against the Perth Scorchers, plus three others. There is no word yet if Smith can play in the BBL finals.
Despite wanting to play last year, other states blocked the Sixers’ request to let Smith return for finals matches.
“It didn’t work out last year the way I’d hoped,” Smith said ahead of Sunday’s match at the SCG. “I really love playing with these guys. I didn’t have my best start. The nets were a bit spicy.”
Smith was in the nets on Thursday with off-spinner Todd Murphy, who is still on a high after his inclusion in Australia’s 18-man Test squad for the upcoming India series in February and March.
“I just congratulated him on being selected,” Smith said. “All of the guys have said he is the standout spinner in the domestic competition. He’s got a good skill-set. I think Nathan Lyon is pretty keen to work with him as much as possible.”
