Steve Smith is reportedly close to finalising a deal to play for Sussex in the County Championship as part of his preparation for the Ashes.
Smith has never played in the County Championship before and could play in up to four games for the Division Two side. According to the Daily Mail, a deal between Smith and Sussex is 'close to being finalised'.
The report states that Smith will feature for the county in the lead-up to the Ashes, which starts on June 16 at Edgbaston, and will help him acclimatise to English conditions. Australia also look set to reach the World Test Championship final, which will take place ahead of the Ashes at the Oval.
