ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 08: Steve Smith of Australia walks out for the coin toss during day one of the Second Test Match in the series between Australia and the West Indies at Adelaide Oval on December 08, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Steve Smith is reportedly nearing a decision to play County cricket ahead of this year's Ashes series, per the Sydney Morning Herald.

Smith, who is currently playing for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, has been linked to Sussex, though reportedly is still in discussions with several other teams.

Australia is scheduled to undertake a tour of India concluding in March, before the Ashes get underway in June, leaving Smith with two months to play in England.

Per reports from the Herald, the 33-year-old is expected to play between three to four County games prior to the first test of the Ashes series, hoping to help Australia to their fourth Ashes win in the last decade.

Smith's recent form in the Big Bash has been well documented, helping the Sixers to a win after scoring a century off 56 balls on Tuesday night.

Besting his previous best Big Bash total of an unbeaten 66, Smith's innings came to an end when he was run out for 101, but not before he managed an impressive six boundaries.

The 2023 County Championship is scheduled to begin on April 6, concluding on September 29.