Sussex confirm Steve Smith’s arrival on a three-match deal in preparation for this year’s Ashes series… but England fans are NOT happy with the County Championship side: ‘Why are we helping their players?’
- Australia have been handed a boost ahead of this year’s Ashes in England
- Gun batsman Steve Smith has joined Sussex to get his eye in on enemy soil
- However, the Poms are unhappy that a rival is being given help in preparation
- Some fans called for the ECB to put a stop to Smith’s three-match deal
Australia have been handed a boost ahead of this year’s Ashes series after Steve Smith landed a deal with County Championship side Sussex.
Smith, 33, has penned a three-match deal and will feature for the side against Worcestershire, Leicestershire and Glamorgan, hoping to get his eye in before the five-Test series against England – although those three sides contain the weakest bowling attacks in the competition.
Sussex Cricket CEO, Rob Andrew said: ‘We are thrilled to have Steve Smith available for our County Championship matches in May.
Steve Smith has agreed to join Sussex on a three-match deal ahead of the Ashes
‘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.
‘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.’
However, England fans are far from impressed that a County side is providing vital preparation for a rival player ahead of the Ashes.
‘Why are we helping their players?’ one fan posted on Twitter.
England fans fumed at Sussex for helping an Australian player prepare for the Ashes
Another said: ‘Would an Aussie state side allow Root to play a few warm up games ahead of the Ashes down under to warm up?’
‘Traitors,’ a third wrote. ‘Absolutely disgraceful.’
One fan called for the ECB to intervene and stop the deal from happening.
‘Absolutely ridiculous. ECB need to put a stop to this.’
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