Pujara to play alongside Steve Smith before WTC final

The three matches that Smith is expected to play for Sussex will be away games against Worcestershire (May 4-7), Leicestershire (May 11-14) and a home against Glamorgan (May 18-22) as a part of his preparation for the WTC final and the marquee Ashes battle against England, starting June 16.

“We have spoken, but most of the time we have played against each other. It is never for the same team, so it will be exciting to have him in the same side,” Pujara told Sussex Cricket after the recent game against Gloucestershire according to the reports published in rediff.com.

“I will try and get his thoughts, try and know him a little better.”

Pujara admitted that it will be mixed feelings playing alongside Smith with whom he would be locked in a tough fight within three weeks of sharing the dressing room.

“We will be playing the WTC final, so it will be mixed feelings. On the field we always have good battles, but off the field we are good friends.”

Pujara, who is currently leading the second division batting charts with 332 runs from five innings with two centuries this season, termed Smith as a “great influence to have in the team.”