Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 : R Ashwin reveals trump card against Steve Smith for India

Beginning on February 9, India and Australia would compete for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Steve Smith was the only player who was universally viewed as posing a threat to the home team. Numerous pundits chose him to trouble the Indian bowlers and even made the suggestion that he may steal the series from Rohit Sharma and company.

Smith’s performances against India were praised by India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, but he chose the bowler who turned to be the key to getting him out. Axar Patel is the bowler whose trajectory and reliable line of delivery can both Smith significantly, according to Ashwin.

Ravichandran Ashwin said that India will need a proper plan to keep Steve Smith in check during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.https://t.co/5qWax6yZ3v

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) February 4, 2023

The challenge posed by Steve Smith will still exist for Indian cricket, but I believe Axar Patel is one player who can actually outnumber Smith. He can pose a serious threat to him if he plays frequently in all of the games, according to his trajectory, Pathan remarked on Star Sports.

In particular because Steve Smith frequently uses his bottom hand, “the line and length he bowls, the straight ball he bowls, he might bring the lbw or bowled into play against Steve Smith. An alarm bell against such a player as Axar Patel can be a bowler who consistently bowls at the stumps.

Ashwin stated that India will need a strong strategy to contain Smith as he is currently the only Australian on the team with an average above 60 in Indian conditions. His batting average in test format of 62.84 is the third-highest in Test cricket history.