At first England didn’t want Steve Smith to play county cricket for the Ashes – now one of their brightest stars says controversial move will help the Poms beat Australia
- The best batsman in the world plays in England
- Teammate thinks experts are wrong about his arrival
- Bowler claims “it’s a bit surreal” to have Smith on his team
England fast bowler Ollie Robinson says having Ashes rival Steve Smith in his district team ‘improves my game’ and could even give the home team something extra ahead of the five-Test clash.
Smith failed to bat on his debut for Sussex, but stood at second slip and got a good lock to Robinson, who took seven wickets after their captain, Indian star Cheteshwar Pujara, won the toss to put Worcestershire in.
The Australian star’s presence has sparked controversy among locals, with some critics suggesting he be given a contract to play county cricket.
But Robinson, who bowled at Smith into the nets and even sent his stumps flying, took the alternate stance as he would bowl regularly at someone who will be his opponent for months to come.
Arguably the world’s best batsman, Aussie Steve Smith plays with his new county teammates in England last weekend
England speed demon Ollie Robinson plays alongside Smith for Sussex – and unlike some of his Ashes teammates, he believes England will benefit from being sidelined
“I see him, he’s looking at me,” Robinson said after a 7-59 snap.
“I don’t think it makes a big difference in the grand scheme of things.
“Obviously he’s a good player and he’ll score points whether he’s facing me or not.
“It’s a bit surreal. To have the world’s best batsman and Pujara in the same dressing room is pretty cool. It’s nice to have him around. It improves my game in bowling training for him and Pujara.’
Smith also acknowledged this week that he would take a close look at Robinson, who struggled in the 2021/22 series in Australia, taking just 11 wickets in four Tests.
England will hope they don’t see a repeat of Smith acknowledging the public after a century in the upcoming series – as he is pictured here in 2019.
But Robinson remains a key part of England’s attack with veteran sailors Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, and Smith knows that.
“I was actually impressed with him when he was in Australia. I thought he had really good skills,” he said.
“He’s quite tall, he hit some good areas and it looks like he’s gotten better since then, so I’m looking forward to playing with him this week.”
Smith is not the only member of the Australian squad to play county cricket.
Opener Marcus Harris’s Gloucestershire will not play this week, but test star Marnus Labuschagne made 65 for Glamorgan against Yorkshire.