England fans left angry after Steve Smith signed County deal with Sussex

Prolific Australia batter, Steven Smith, confirmed that he will be playing three matches for Sussex in the upcoming County Championship. The decision was taken to prepare himself well for a potential World Test Championship final and the upcoming Ashes, which is slated to begin on June 16 at Edgbaston.

Notably, the 33-year-old has played domestic T20 matches in the United Kingdom but never featured in county cricket. Former England skipper, Michael Vaughan was delighted with the news and called it ‘a great signing of our game.’

A few English fans however were very disappointed with Steve joining Sussex right before the all-important Ashes. They labelled the team as ‘traitors’ for letting Smith get some game-time ahead of the big series and also said how it will benefit the Australia cricketer in the five-match series.

The controversy of hosting rival players in domestic competitions ahead of an Ashes series has been an issue for a long time now. Former England coach, Trevor Bayliss, in 2021, even said that the Sheffield Shield teams in Australia will never be rushing to sign English cricketers ahead of an Ashes series in Australia. 

Steve, however, isn’t bothered by the outside noise. He stated that playing in the county won’t make a real difference as he will be playing there just to enjoy his 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,” Smith said.

Smudge further continued, “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."

"I was in contact with Paul Farbrace last night, head of cricket at Sussex. They’re excited to have me over for a couple of games. Hopefully, I can spend some time with some of their young batters and mentor them and share my experiences with them,” he concluded.

Here's how Twitter reacted -

Shocking decision....
Hope you spend your 30 pieces of silver wisely.
May it be freezing cold and rain heavily for those 3 fixtures and may the groundsman for the away fixture (s) produce a lovely green top that will swing massively. COYB 🐻

— Gary Moss (@Mossy55018) January 19, 2023

Sussex County Cricket Club. Traitors of English Cricket

— Mountain 🇬🇧 (@1969hedgehog) January 19, 2023

There's no way an Oz state would let Root etc play in a few Sheffield Steel games prior to an Ashes series

— Mark Welburn (@MrWelburn) January 19, 2023

I’m guessing this is to help condition himself for the English summer and to have practice against @JofraArcher

I don’t think @englandcricket will be pleased.

Strange decision to allow him that opportunity.

— Joman Clark (@granny_gears) January 19, 2023

So you are going to help him prepare for the Ashes!! It beggars belief. Can you imagine an Australian State team affording an England batsman a similar opportunity?

— John Stephen (@JohnJSSTFC) January 19, 2023

It will be interesting to see how Smith will fare in his country stint and cope with the furious English fans.

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