'I've kind of figured out': Steve Smith Reveals Strategy To Tackle Ashwin In Border Gavaskar Trophy

Australia's batting general Steve Smith is up for challenge that Ravichandran Ashwin is set to pose in upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Smith has h issues facing Ashwin in past. Thus, knowing what is looming, Smith is determined to face Indian spinner during 2020-21 series.

Also Re | 'He Could Feel It': AUS Great's Stern Message To Pat Cummins And Co. To Keep Virat Kohli Silent

Steve Smith Rey To Battle Ravichandran Ashwin In Border Gavaskar Trophy

Ashwin h nicked off Smith thrice during that rubber, and later in 2023 Indian off-spinner dismissed Aussie twice as he could only make 22 runs against his old foe.

"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. re were a couple of occasions where he got on top of me," Smith told Sydney Morning Herald.

"But n I got on top of him at SCG when I was a bit more proactive (Smith me 131 and 81 at Sydney). So, that's key for me. Just be proactive against him and not let him settle and bowl way he wants to," he ded.

Ashwin's Test bowling average stands at a modest 42.15 in Australia compared to his home average of 21.57.

Smith hoped to land first blow on 38-year-old to gain an early upper hand in five-match series, beginning at Perth from November 22.

Tamil Nu man recently said that he h worked out Smith after some initial struggles against him.

"I think I've kind of figured out what he does or how he bats, I've h an edge over him. I've h wood over him," Ashwin h told Channel Seven.

But Smith did not re too much into it.

"Ashwin and I have h some good battles over years. When you have five matches, if someone gets on top of anor player, y could have 10 innings against m.

"So, you're facing those mental challenges each game, and if it goes one way early, y will feel under pressure against that player. re's nowhere to hide in five games like re are in a two-game series," said New South Wales man.

35-year-old, who is 315 shy of 10,000 Test runs, will bat at his favoured No. 4 slot against India after opening innings for four Tests earlier this year.

It was not a successful experiment and Smith hoped to hit ground running early from a position where he me runs at an average in excess of 60.

'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. 

(With PTI inputs)