Border-Gavaskar Trophy: ‘Ashwin is a quality bowler but we have tools to counter him,’ says Steve Smith

Australia vice-captain Steve Smith might have accomplished every week’s simulation of Ravichandran Ashwin’s doppelganger Mahesh Pithiya however he’s not overthinking concerning the star India spinner’s affect within the Border Gavaskar Trophy starting right here on Thursday.

Australian batters have been targeted on tackling the spin menace and there’s a workforce of Indian internet bowlers who’re serving to the guests put together for the four-Test collection.

Is Australia overthinking about Ashwin? “There has been many off-spinners we played and Mahesh is one of them. He bowls a similar style (to that) of Ashwin. We are not overthinking things. Ash is a quality bowler but we have the tools in our kit bag to counter that,” Smith advised reporters throughout a media convention.

He has had a have a look at the pitch and the nice size spot on the far finish seems to be fairly dry.

“Pretty dry, particularly one end. I think it will take a bit of spin, particularly the left-arm spinner taking it into our left-handers. There’s a section there that’s quite dry,” he added.

But Smith additionally stated that he gained’t be overreading the monitor.

“Other than 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 skiddy for the seamers and maybe a bit of up-and-down movement as the game goes on.

“The cracks felt quite loose. I’m not entirely sure – we’ll wait and see.” Smith appeared fairly proud of the preparation.

“We had a few good sessions in Bangalore and now here as well. The boys are shaping up well. I think it will be a bit skiddy, slow but not entirely sure,” Smith stated.

However, he did additionally affirm that Cameron Green isn’t able to play.

“He hasn’t faced even the fast bowlers so he’s very unlikely to play the 1st Test,” he stated He additionally indicated that Scott Boland’s pure size will go well with the surfaces in India.

“Hazlewood injury is a big loss for us, but Lance (Morris) is a good bowler. Boland has been good. His natural length will suit this kind of pitch. Lance obviously has a pace in the air,” Smith stated.