edited by: Aditya Maheshwari
Last Update: February 08, 2023, 07:18 IST
Ravichandran Ashwin vs Steve Smith will be a match-up to watch in the upcoming Test series between India and Australia (AFP Image)
Ravichandran Ashwin vs Steve Smith is going to be one of the important battles to watch out for in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia’s talismanic batsman Steve Smith launches the challenge against Ravichandran Ashwin in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting February 9 in Nagpur. Last time Ashwin troubled Smith India and Australia clashed in the Test series. The veteran off-spinner got the better of the Australian vice-captain thrice during the 2020-21 series.
Australia have included Mahesh Pithia in their list of net bowlers to prepare to deal with Ashwin as the Baroda spinner’s action is similar to the veteran.
Read this also | Brief History of Border-Gavaskar Trophy india vs australia epic test rivalry
Is Australia thinking too much about Ashwin? He said, ‘We have played many off-spinners and Mahesh is one of them. He bowls in (the same) style as Ashwin. We are not overthinking things. Ash is a great bowler but we have the tools in our kit bag to deal with it.
The surface in the first Test match between India and Australia is expected to be a rank turner and India are expected to play three spinners in the XI.
The Australian batsmen are focussing on tackling the threat of spin and there is a squad of Indian net bowlers which is helping the visitors prepare for the four-Test series.
He has had a look at the pitch and it looks very dry in place of a good length at the far end.
“Very dry, especially one end. I think it will take a bit of spin, especially the left-arm spinners taking it to our left-handers. There’s a stretch there which is quite dry,” he said.
BGT 2023: ‘Australia have no chance, they will not win the Test’
Talking further about the Nagpur pitch, Smith suggested that there won’t be much bounce for the fast bowlers but they will get some pace.
“Apart from that, I can’t really get a good gauge on it. I don’t think there will be a heap of bounce in the wicket, I think it will be quite slippery for the fast bowlers and as the game progresses, a bit Can be up and down.
“The cracks felt pretty loose. I’m not entirely sure – we’ll wait and see.” Smith looked quite happy with the preparation. We had some good sessions in Bangalore and now here too. The boys are taking good shape. I think it will be a bit choppy, slow but not quite sure.
get the latest cricket news Here