"Ashwin and I have had some good battles over the years" - Steve Smith ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25
Seasoned Australian batter Steve Smith has acknowledged that he and Ravichandran Ashwin have had some intriguing battles over the years as he prepares for one in the upcoming Test series against Team India. Smith noted that a batter can be found out against a bowler in a five-Test series, given the possibility of 10 innings.
Although Smith averages 54.2 overall against Ashwin, he managed only 22 runs in the 2023 leg by conceding his wicket twice to the off-spinner. The 35-year-old also fell thrice to the veteran when India last visited Down Under, making it crucial for the Aussie lynchpin to be well prepared this time.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, the former skipper underlined the need to get on top of an opposition bowler to prevent getting dismissed consistently. He said:
"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. Ashwin and I have had some good battles over the years."
Smith also recalled the seesaw battle between him and Ashwin during the 2020-21 leg, revealing how he hates getting out to an off-spinner at home. He said:
"Ashwin nicked me off in the first innings in Adelaide and then got me at leg slip at the MCG on a tacky wicket. I don’t like getting out to off-spin in Australia. I feel as though it should be, particularly for a right-handed batter, relatively easy to face. 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, then I got on top of him at the SCG when I was a bit more proactive. So that’s key for me. Just be proactive against him and not let him settle and bowl the way he wants to."
The New South Wales cricketer had opened the innings after David Warner's retirement but didn't find much success. He will return to number four in the upcoming series where he averages 61.50.
"It’s playing each ball as it comes and keeping it simple" - Steve Smith
Smith went on to stress the need to start the summer well and not overthink things when he is on the crease, adding:
"It always makes your summer better when you start well. It gives you a lot of confidence. It’d be nice to be able to hit the ground running with some runs in the first game and help the team win.
"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."
Australia have named a 13-man squad for the opening Test.