New Delhi. R Ashwin has made former Australian captain Steve Smith his victim many times. Smith is planning a strategy against Ashwin in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy. The Australian legend says that he wants to adopt a proactive approach against Ashwin. Ashwin had dismissed Smith thrice in the last series. This Indian off-spinner had dismissed this former Australian captain twice in 2023. During this period, Smith could score only 22 runs against Ashwin. The first Test match of the five-match series between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22.
Steve Smith told ‘Sydney Morning Herald’, ‘I don’t like getting out against off-spin in Australia. However, he is a very good bowler and his plans are brilliant. There were some occasions when he was successful in dominating me. At SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground), I was successful in dominating him by adopting a proactive attitude. In such a situation, it is important for me to bat actively against him and not let him gain rhythm and bowl the way he wants.
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Smith expressed hope of being successful against Ashwin
R Ashwin’s test bowling average in Australia is 42.15 while his domestic average is 21.57. Smith was hopeful that he would be successful in gaining an early lead against the 38-year-old bowler in the five-match series starting in Perth from November 22. This Tamil Nadu player had recently said that he had made some plans against Smith. Ashwin told ‘Channel Seven’, ‘Steve Smith is particularly attractive as a player against spin. He has a unique technique, even while playing fast bowling. But in terms of spin, I think he came with good strategy and good preparation and yes, he applied it in any situation. And over the last few years I have discovered ways and means to understand it.
Smith is 315 runs away from 10 thousand test runs
Australia’s New South Wales player Smith said, ‘While facing Ashwin, you have to deal with the mental challenge. If anyone is successful in dominating in the beginning of the series, then he can dominate. 35-year-old Smith is 315 runs away from 10,000 Test runs. He will return to bat at his preferred fourth position in the series against India. Smith had opened the innings in the last four Tests but he was not successful in it.
Tags: Border Gavaskar Trophy, India vs Australia, Rashwin, Steve Smith
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 17, 2024, 16:50 IST
