Ravichandran Ashwin, veteran India spinner, said that he has found ways to have an edge over Steve Smith, one of world’s best batters in the modern-day game, in recent times. With the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 only eight days away, Ashwin and Smith are gearing up for the much-awaited Test series.
Speaking to 7Cricket, Ashwin lauded Smith’s unique technique but hgihligted that over the years, the Indian veteran has found a way to ‘break it down.
"Steve Smith is especially fascinating as a player against spin. He has a unique technique, even playing fast bowling. But with spin, I think he came in with sound game plans and sound preparations, and yeah, he used to execute it come what may. And over the years, I've found ways and means to break it down,” Ashwin said in an interview.
Ashwin noted that observing Steve Smith's training routines during their time together at Delhi Capitals and Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League (IPL) provided valuable insights into Smith's preparation, strengths and weaknesses. He praised Smith as a strategic cricketer who is always looking for an edge, with unique methods of practising and competing on the field.
"His time at Delhi Capitals, his time at RPSG, all these net sessions that I've seen him go about his business gave me an insight as to how he prepares and what he likes and doesn't like. He's a very thinking cricketer as well. He wants to get one up on you all the time. But, he's got unique ways of practising and battling out with you in the middle,” he added.
Ashwin revealed that observing Steve Smith’s preparation over the years has helped him gauge when he has an advantage or when Smith has the upper hand.
"And sometimes, as a bowler, when you're watching a batter go through his process, you do identify whether you have him or not. And several times in these years of having played with Steve Smith, I've felt he has me. But several times, much later, when I think I've figured out what he does or how he bats, I've had an edge over him. I've had the wood over him,” R Ashwin said further.
Since making his Test debut in 2010, the 35-year-old Smith has amassed 9,685 runs in 109 matches and 195 innings, boasting an impressive average of 56.97.
In Test matches against India, Smith has played 19 games and 37 innings, accumulating 2,042 runs at an incredible average of 65.87.
R Ashwin, on the other hand, is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 536 wickets in just 105 Test matches.
Both are set to face off against each other in the first IND vs AUS Test at Perth, starting from November 22.
