Former Australian captain Steve Smith is excited about making his County debut and “learning more about” Cheteshwar Pujara as they turn up for the same side ahead of the WTC final next month.
Smith is expected to play three games for Sussex against Worcestershire (May 4-7), Leicestershire (May 11-14) and a home tie against Glamorgan (May 18-22) as a part of his preparation for the WTC final from June 7 and the marquee Ashes battle against England starting June 16.
Smith said the IPL has helped him get used to playing alongside rival international players and he is eager to play alongside Pujara, who has been leading Sussex this season.
“The day I don’t want to keep getting better and learning is the day I would probably call it quits. I am keen to play with Puj (Pujara) as well. I have played against him a lot, seen him score lot of runs against me. Hopefully we can spend a bit of time together in the middle and learn more about each other.”
How would it be playing with Pujara and then against him in a space of days?
“You are playing for the same team, have seen that for years playing the IPL. While you are playing with each other you try as hard as you can to achieve success as a team...” Smith said.
Smith will also be up against teammate and friend Marnus Labuschagne when Sussex take on Glamorgan and both have had a laugh about it.
Written with PTI inputs
