Australia's vice-captain Steve Smith highlighted the threat that Ravichandran Ashwin carries but was sure about the plan that the team had in place for him ahead of the first Test which will start on Thursday, February 7, in Nagpur.
To counter the spin-friendly pitches of India, the team management of the Aussies brought in off-spinner Mahesh Pithiya. Talking about their preparations ahead of the opening Test during the pre-match press conference, Smith said, "Mahesh (Pithiya) bowls a similar style (to that) of Ashwin. We are not overthinking things. Ash is a quality bowler but we have the tools in the kit bag to counter that," he added.
Smith is also confident about his own prowess heading into the first Test match, "I feel like I am in a good place in terms of batting heading into the series."
"We had a few good sessions in Bangalore and now here as well. The boys are shaping up well. The pitch is very high, at least one end, spinning in for our left-handers. I think it will be a bit skiddy, slow but not entirely sure," Smith told reporters on Tuesday.
Given the multiple injury concerns in the Australian squad, Smith provided an update on Cameron Green and also explained the importance of Josh Hazlewood to this squad. "He hasn't faced even the fast bowlers so he's very unlikely to play the 1st Test," he said. In absence of Green, Smith asserted that it will be difficult for them to play with three spinners in the opening Test but the final call will be taken by selectors. Without Cameron Green bowling, it will be difficult to play three spinners for us, but selectors will decide the best possible XI."
(About Hazlewood) "(Josh) Hazlewood injury is a big loss for us, but Lance (Morris) is a good bowler, (Scott) Boland has been good. His natural length will suit this kind of pitch. Lance obviously has a pace in the air," Smith said.
