‘I have found ways…’: Ravichandran Ashwin gives an insight on his mind games with Steve Smith – Times of India

Ravichandran Ashwin (R) and Steve Smith during the Sydney Test on January 7, 2021. (Photo by David Gray/AFP via Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: The form of veterans Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith would play a significant role in the outcome of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia.
Ashwin is considered one of the modern greats of world cricket. His impact on the game, particularly in the Test format, has been profound, and he is widely regarded as one of the finest spinners to have played the game.
Smith is one of the most prolific and technically adept batsmen in contemporary cricket, widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Known for his unconventional but incredibly effective batting technique, Smith has established himself as a modern-day cricketing legend, particularly in Test cricket.

Of his total 536 Test wickets so far, Ashwin has taken the maximum scalps against Australia and England (both 114).
Ashwin’s 114 wickets in 22 Tests against the Aussies have come at an average of 28.36 and an economy of 2.70.
With best figures of 7/103 (in innings) and 12/198 (in matches), Ashwin has registered 7 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul.
Over the years, Smith has played 19 Tests against India scoring 2042 runs hitting 9 hundreds and 5 fifties with a highest score of 192 at an average of 52.50.
Both Ashwin and Smith have had intriguing battles against each other on the cricket field and now in video shared by 7Cricket, Ashwin gave an insight on his mind games with Smith and how he has plotted the downfall of the Aussie.
Ashwin says, “Steve Smith is someone that’s fascinating as a player against spin, specially. He has a unique technique even playing fast bowling. But with spin, I think he came up with sound game plans, sound preparations and he used to execute it come what may. And over the years, I have found ways and means to be able to break it down. His time at Delhi Capitals, his time at RPSG, all these net sessions that I have seen him go about his business, really gave me an insight as to how he prepares and what he likes and what he doesn’t like.”
In another clip, Ashwin says, “I think he (Smith) is a very thinking cricketer. He wants to get one up on you all the time. But he’s got very unique ways of practicing and unique ways of battling out with you in the middle. 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 that he has me. But several times much later when I think I’ve kind of figured out what he does or how he bats, is that I’ve had an edge over him, I’ve had the wood over him.”

The first Test of the series gets underway in Perth from November 22 and India need to win 4 Tests in Australia to directly qualify for the World Test Championships final that is scheduled to be held at Lord’s in June 2025.