Ashes 2023: Ben Stokes reacts to Steve Smith's county stint with Sussex ahead of their epic rivalry

Prolific Australia batter Steven Smith is all set to make his debut in the County Championship as he is set to play three matches for Sussex in the upcoming edition of the tournament. The middle-order batter will play against Worcestershire, Leicestershire and Glamorgan in order to prepare well for the upcoming Ashes and that’s made the English fans very angry.

Now, even though the former England skipper, Michael Vaughan has welcomed his decision, few fans believe that Smith shouldn’t have been offered a chance to feature in the competition as he can get used to the conditions before the all-important Ashes, slated to begin on June 16 at Edgbaston. They even went a step further by calling Sussex a traitor.

England’s red-ball skipper, Ben Stokes, wasn’t thrilled with the news either. He was happy to see Smith playing county cricket but believes that the timing of it is wrong as the cricketer will get much-needed game time before the Ashes 2023.

“I guess it's good for the county game to see players of Steve's calibre want to come over and play," Stokes said. "But I don't know. I think it's one of those where you'd probably prefer them not to get any game time out here before the Ashes. But at the same time, it is what it is,” the 31-year-old stated.

Steve Smith unfazed by the outside noise

The Aussie cricketer is not bothered with what some of the fans are saying, as he stated that playing in County Championship won’t make any difference and he will be playing only to enjoy the game.

“Not really. I’ve played a lot over there. I don’t think it’s going to change too much. I’m just going to play some cricket and have some fun. I don’t think it makes a real difference. India and the Ashes are the biggest hurdles as Australian cricketers. To have a little bit of a break after the India series and then get some games in for Sussex should be good fun,” Smith said.

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