Steve Smith will play three County Championship games for Sussex as he gets ready for the Ashes and Australia's potential appearance in the World Test Championship final.

Prior to facing Marnus Labuschagne, a teammate from Australia, the prolific hitter will take on Worcestershire and Leicestershire in a Division Two encounter against Glamorgan in May.

Smith is thus anticipated to play in the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June, with Australia having almost certainly qualified. Smith is now ranked as the second-best Test hitter in the world, behind Labuschagne.

The former captain of Australia will be hoping that a brief stint with Sussex keeps him in excellent form by the time the first Ashes Test against England begins at Edgbaston on June 16.

Smith told Sussex's official website: "I am excited about joining Sussex for a few games in May and hopefully making a contribution to a successful season.

"I am particularly looking forward to working with the younger players in the squad and hoping I can provide some guidance to them."

Our young batters will be learning from one of the best. 👏 #GOSBTS pic.twitter.com/9Sq073XB58— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) January 19, 2023

The 33-year-old has previous experience of playing county cricket for Worcestershire.

Smith made a staggering 30th Test century in his last appearance for his country against South Africa at the SCG this month.