In cricket, few rivalries capture the imagination of fans like that between India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and Australia’s Steve Smith. As Ashwin prepares to face Smith in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series, the veteran off-spinner has revealed insights into his game plan against the Australian star batter. Both players are legends in their respective disciplines, making each encounter a strategic duel. Let’s explore Ashwin's tactics, Smith’s unique batting techniques, and how this thrilling rivalry has developed over the years.
The rivalry between Ashwin and Smith dates back to India's tour of Australia in 2013/14 when the two faced each other for the first time. Since then, their encounters have been a spectacle of skill, resilience, and mind games. The five-match series starting on November 22 in Perth promises another chapter in this rivalry, with Ashwin ready to implement a refined approach to counter Smith’s unorthodox style.
Smith’s technique is one of a kind, often baffling even the most seasoned bowlers. His unique approach against both fast bowling and spin sets him apart. Known for his unconventional stance and swift movement, Smith is a proactive batsman who makes split-second decisions, keeping bowlers on their toes. Ashwin, in an interview with 7Cricket, praised Smith for his meticulous preparation and adaptability.
"Steve Smith is especially fascinating as a player against spin. He has a unique technique, even playing fast bowling," Ashwin noted. “He came in with sound game plans and sound preparations, and yeah, he used to execute it come what may.”
Smith’s ability to adjust his stance and footwork based on pitch conditions, bowlers, and match situations has helped him stay ahead of the curve. Despite Ashwin’s vast experience and skill, Smith’s unyielding focus and relentless pursuit of scoring runs have challenged Ashwin on multiple occasions.
Ashwin and Smith’s time as teammates in IPL franchises like the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPSG) and Delhi Capitals provided Ashwin with valuable insights into Smith’s thought process and training methods. Observing Smith in practice sessions helped Ashwin decode his style, preferences, and areas of vulnerability.
“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.”
These insights will be essential as Ashwin faces Smith on Australian pitches, where Smith's record is exceptional. Over the years, Ashwin has tailored his bowling strategies to exploit subtle weaknesses in Smith’s technique, making every ball a calculated attempt to outsmart the Aussie batter.
The Ashwin-Smith rivalry is particularly thrilling due to their mutual respect and deep understanding of the game. Ashwin described Smith as a “thinking cricketer” who constantly seeks ways to outwit his opponents. Similarly, Smith views Ashwin as a formidable bowler capable of adjusting his game plan to expose any batter’s weaknesses. This shared tactical approach has elevated their matchups, as each player continually adapts and evolves.
“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.”
The Ashwin-Smith encounters have redefined what it means to be a “thinking cricketer,” demonstrating that mental resilience and strategic depth are as important as physical prowess in cricket.
The series promises high stakes as India and Australia compete on the challenging Australian pitches, which traditionally favor bounce and pace but also offer opportunities for skilled spinners like Ashwin. For Smith, it’s a chance to test his game plan against an old rival; for Ashwin, it's a stage to showcase his strategic prowess against one of the world's best batters.
As the series approaches, cricket fans can look forward to intense battles within battles as Ashwin and Smith face off once more. Will Ashwin’s revised tactics work in his favor, or will Smith’s adaptability give him the edge? This riveting rivalry, shaped over a decade of fierce competition, is set to add another chapter that may redefine both players’ careers.
For fans of cricket, the Ashwin-Smith rivalry is more than just a game—it’s a testament to the depth, skill, and intellect involved in top-flight cricket. With the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin and Smith are set to give fans a spectacle of strategy and skill that will be remembered for years to come.
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