IND vs AUS: Kangaroos lost courage even before the Test series, Smith told Ashwin the best bowler

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Before the start of the Test series between India and Australia, Steve Smith said that Ashwin is a great bowler, but the Australian team has a way of tackling. 
 

Ravichandran Ashwin Photo: twitter@BCCI

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Before the start of the Test series between India and Australia, Kangaroo team's vice-captain Steve Smith has praised Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Smith said that Ashwin is a great bowler, but the Australian team has a way of dealing with him. He also said that the Australian team is not thinking much about Ashwin. However, calling Mahesh Pithia in the nets to practice shows how scared the Kangaroos are of Ashwin. 

Ahead of the Nagpur Test, Steve Smith said that even though Australia have practiced for a week with Ashwin-like action Mahesh Pithia, the Aussies are not letting Ashwin get in their heads. He pointed out that the Australian batsmen have focused on tackling the threat of spin and there is a squad of Indian net bowlers which is helping them prepare for the four-Test series. 

Asked if the Aussies are overthinking about Ashwin, Smith said: "There are a lot of off-spinners we have played and Mahesh is one of them. He bowls to Ashwin. We are not overthinking things." Ashwin is a good bowler but we have ways to deal with him." 

Regarding the pitch, Smith said "It's very dry. Especially one end which I think will turn a bit, especially left-arm spinners can be more effective. There is one place which is quite dry. Also , I can't really predict much. I don't think there will be much bounce in the wicket. I think the fast bowlers will come off and the ball might move a bit during the match. The cracks feel pretty loose We will wait and see what happens during the match." 

Smit also informed before the match that all-rounder Cameron Green would not play in the first match. At the same time, Lance Maris and Scott Boland may get a chance in place of the injured Hazlewood. Both are excellent bowlers. Lance Morris has good pace in the air so Boland's length suits this pitch. In such a situation, fast bowling is not a matter of concern for Australia.