England captain Ben Stokes has reacted to the news that Australia star Steve Smith will enjoy a short stint at Sussex ahead of the Ashes in May.
Smith is set to play three County Championship matches against Worcestershire, Leicestershire and Glamorgan and some fans have criticised Sussex for allowing one of Australia's key players extra preparation in England before the Ashes.
However, several former England cricketers have rejected that suggestion, with Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan calling it a "great signing for our game". Ex-England bowler and BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew also downplayed the impact Smith's stint could have on the Ashes.