Steve Smith loses his wicket for just THREE runs as the Australian continues to struggle to find his rhythm in County Championship outing
- Steve Smith was sacked for just three points for Sussex on Friday
- The former Australia captain is preparing for this summer’s Ashes
- However, he was dismissed for a low total against Leicestershire
Steve Smith made a stingy three runs as the Australian’s preparations for the Ashes suffered a setback during his spell at Sussex.
The 33-year-old Smith signed a three-game contract with the County Championship side as he looks set to get into shape this summer heading into the five-game series.
After losing his wicket for 30 runs last week after being caught LBW, Smith returned to the crease to build on that total and send a message to the hosts, after watching compatriot Marnus Labuschagne dominate for Glamorgan in Yorkshire.
But Smith was once dismissed against LBW by Leicestershire’s Wiaan Mulder, this time contributing just three runs for his side.
Elsewhere, England are nervously awaiting James Anderson’s fitness after the veteran bowler picked up a groin injury for Lancashire.
Steve Smith’s County Championship woes continued after he made just three runs
The 33-year-old former Australia captain was not long on the fold for Sussex
Anderson had entered the final round of County Championship matches in his usual imperious form, but after taking two early Somerset wickets he left the field towards the end of the first day and made no further appearances on Friday.
That sparked concerns about the 40-year-old’s availability for an Ashes series that starts in just five weeks, but sources close to Anderson insisted on Friday that it was just a sting and that he was resting as a precaution.
The last thing England needs is a cloud over the leading wicket-name in the history of world bowling, as Anderson remains invaluable to their hopes of retaining the Ashes even as he approaches his 41st birthday.
Ben Stokes’ hopes of a ‘squad’ of eight bowlers to choose from during the series have already taken a big hit, with Jofra Archer returning from the IPL after further elbow problems and Olly Stone ruled out for five to six weeks with a hamstring injury.