Sussex have confirmed the recruitment of Australian batsman Steven Smith.
Smith will be available for three County Championship fixtures in May prior to the Ashes series later this year.
“I am excited about joining Sussex for a few games in May and hopefully making a contribution to a successful season,” said Smith.
“I am particularly looking forward to working with the younger players in the squad and hoping I can provide some guidance to them.”
Smith will be available for Sussex’s fixtures against Worcestershire, Leicestershire and Glamorgan.
Sussex Cricket chief executive officer Rob Andrew added: “We are thrilled to have Steve Smith available for our County Championship matches in May.
“To have arguably the world’s best batter play for Sussex just before an eagerly awaited Ashes Test series is great for us and the County Championship.
“Our Championship form has not been good enough for a number of years, and under the new direction of head coach Paul Farbrace, we are looking to be positive and ambitious.
“Being able to attract a player of Smith’s calibre is a massive statement and will be of great benefit to our young homegrown players, particularly our crop of talented young batters.”
What England Test captain Ben Stokes said about Smith at Sussex
“It’s one of those where you probably prefer them not to get any game time in England before the Ashes. It is what it is,” said Stokes.