NEW DELHI: Steve Smith, the renowned Australian batsman, is preparing for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a focus on countering Ravichandran Ashwin‘s spin bowling. Smith acknowledges Ashwin‘s prowess, particularly after the Indian spinner dismissed him multiple times in recent encounters.
During the 2020-21 series, Ashwin secured Smith’s wicket three times, and in 2023, he repeated the feat twice, limiting Smith to a mere 22 runs. Smith is determined to reverse this trend in the upcoming series.
“I don’t like getting out to off-spin in Australia. But he’s also a very good bowler and he came in with some decent plans. There were a couple of occasions where he got on top of me,” Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Smith believes a proactive approach is key to combating Ashwin’s spin. He aims to disrupt Ashwin’s rhythm and prevent him from settling into a comfortable bowling pattern. Smith’s strategy involves taking the attack to Ashwin, forcing him to react rather than dictate the terms of engagement.
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“But then I got on top of him at the SCG when I was a bit more proactive (Smith made 131 and 81 at Sydney). So, that’s key for me. Just be proactive against him and not let him settle and bowl the way he wants to,” he added.
Interestingly, Ashwin’s bowling statistics in Australia are notably different from his record on home soil. While his average in India stands at an impressive 21.57, it rises to 42.15 in Australia.
This disparity could potentially work in Smith’s favor. Smith hopes to capitalize on any early opportunity to gain an advantage over Ashwin.
Ashwin has previously expressed confidence in his ability to decipher Smith’s batting technique. He claims to have “figured out” Smith’s approach, implying an upper hand in their battles.
“I think I’ve kind of figured out what he does or how he bats, I’ve had an edge over him. I’ve had the wood over him,” Ashwin had told Channel Seven.
Smith, however, downplays Ashwin’s assertions, emphasizing the extended nature of a five-match series. He believes that even if one player gains an early advantage, the longer format allows for adjustments and shifts in momentum.
“Ashwin and I have had some good battles over the years. When you have five matches, if someone gets on top of another player, they could have 10 innings against them.
“So, you’re facing those mental challenges each game, and if it goes one way early, they will feel under pressure against that player. There’s nowhere to hide in five games like there are in a two-game series,” said the New South Wales man.
Smith, who needs just 315 runs to reach the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket, will return to his preferred batting position at number four. He had experimented with opening the batting in four Tests earlier this year, but the move didn’t yield the desired results.
“It always makes your summer better when you start well. It gives you a lot of confidence. It’s about not overthinking things. It’s playing each ball as it comes and keeping it simple.
“When I’m playing my best, I’m not overthinking and I’m just playing what’s in front of me. It’s going to be a good battle,” he explained.
Smith is eager to make a strong start and carry that momentum throughout the series. He believes in keeping his approach simple, trusting his instincts, and playing each ball on its merit. The battle between Smith and Ashwin promises to be an enthralling contest within the larger context of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
