Steve Smith, the Australian batting maestro, is gearing up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a renewed determination to conquer the spin wizardry of Ravichandran Ashwin. Smith, who has been dismissed by Ashwin on multiple occasions in recent encounters, is eager to turn the tables in the upcoming series.
Ashwin’s prowess as an off-spinner is undeniable, particularly on home soil, where he boasts an impressive average of 21.57. However, his record in Australia is significantly different, with an average of 42.15. Smith believes this disparity could work in his favor.
To counter Ashwin’s spin, Smith plans to adopt a proactive approach, disrupting the bowler’s rhythm and preventing him from settling into a comfortable pattern. He aims to take the attack to Ashwin, forcing him to react rather than dictate the terms of engagement.
“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.
“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.”
Ashwin, for his part, is confident in his ability to outsmart Smith. He claims to have “figured out” Smith’s batting technique, 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.
