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Australia's top-order mainstay Marnus Labuschagne is eager to face veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy next month. Labuschagne feels that it will be a "lovely game of chess" between the two as he has made a few adjustments to counter Indian's spin-bowling spearhead.
"I've changed some of my game because of what I've heard about Ashwin and how he bowled to me," Labuschagne was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
"I've adapted my game to try and foil a few of his ideas and ways he goes about it. It's going to be a lovely game of chess and I can't wait for it."
In the previous edition of Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australian conditions, Labuschagne was top-scorer for the hosts with 426 runs at an average of 53.25. However, he was dismissed twice by Ashwin who played a major role in India's series win after the Adelaide bashing.
The preparation starts so far back," said Labuschagne, who is currently playing in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23 for Brisbane Heat.
"People think, right now it's Big Bash then you start thinking - but the thinking happens way ahead. You start processing everything in your mind, you go through every scenario of what bowler you are going to come across.
"I've already thought about my plans, so now it's just about executing. Finding out, 'That works, that doesn't work. How can that part of my game fit in?', and just piece the puzzle together."
Pat Cummins-led Australia who beat South Africa 2-0 in Test series, will have a short training camp in Sydney at the end of this month. They will arrive in Nagpur in the first week of February for the first Test of the series which is scheduled to start on February 9.
The 28-year-old scored 957 runs from 19 innings at an average of 56.29 including four centuries and one half-century. He is also looking to take the momentum into Ashes.
"Can't wait, so excited for the next 10 Test matches," Labuschagne said.
"We've played really well, people know we are very good at home, very tough to beat…but the challenge we have going two away series in a row, that's going to be awesome.
"I can't wait for the challenge against spin in India and can't wait for the challenge of Bazball versus Ronball."
