‘Figured out how he bats – R Ashwin’s subtle warning to Steve Smith ahead of BGT 2024-25

R Ashwin’s subtle warning to Steve Smith ahead of BGT 2024-25

After David Warner retired from red-ball cricket, Steve Smith was promoted as opener but the move did not work well as the former captain is slated to be back at No. 4 in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22.

He has a terrific record against India, having scored 2042 runs in 19 matches at an average of 65.82. However, when India last travelled to Australia in the 2020-21 season, R Ashwin got the better of him three times in five innings and the matchup remains key for both the team in the upcoming series as well.

Notably, during COVID-19, the off-spinner worked with then-bowling coach Bharat Arun and identified a weakness in Smith’s leg side play. In the last series between India and Australia in 2022, Ashwin got the better of him twice in six innings with Smith averaging only 11 against him.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds massive importance to both teams, keeping the World Test Championship (WTC) in mind. Ahead of that, the veteran spinner opened up on Smith’s technique and mentioned that he has unique ways of practising and reminded that he had the edge over Smith in the past.

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“He’s a very thinking cricketer as well. He wants to get one-up on you all the time. He’s got very unique ways of practising and unique ways of battling out with you in the middle and sometimes as a bowler when you are 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,” Ashwin told 7Cricket.

The 38-year-old added that Smith is an excellent player of spin and also pace but he believes if the visitors prepare a good game plan against him, Smith can prove to be vulnerable.

“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 added.