R Ashwin proved to be the nemesis to Steve Smith in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series between India and Australia down under, with India winning 2-1. This was India’s second consecutive Test series win against Australia in Australia.
Ashwin had the mental edge over Steve Smith, getting him out thrice in the three Tests. Smith struggled in the first two Tests with scores of 1,1*, 0, and 8, with Ashwin getting him out twice. Though he made 131 and 81 in Sydney, he still fell once more to Ashwin.
During a candid chat with India’s fielding coach R Sridhar, Ashwin revealed how Ravi Shastri plotted Smith’s dismissal in the all-important Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. He had asked Ashwin to bowl inside the first 10 overs with the new ball, given there was dampness in the pitch.
"After we lost the toss, Shastri came to me and went "ashhhh". I was wearing my pant and suddenly taken aback! I said yes Ravi bhai. He roared in typical style 'get the ball in the first 10 overs'. I was like get the ball in the first 10 overs in Melbourne? He said "I've told Jinx, it's damp and might spin'. As he said, I got the ball early... and the ball spun immediately. I was like wow, what's happening!'" Ashwin said.
Sridhar then told Ashwin how the mood in the dressing room was when he came onto bowl at MCG with the new ball.
"We were sitting in the coaches' box. The three of us were sitting with Hari, the analyst. Ravi bhai came in and thundered 'I have told Jinks to bring Ash on early. He has the mental edge over Smith. The ball will surely do something. It's a red ball, not a pink ball. I'm waiting. I want to see him bowl inside the 40th minute'. And he was clapping furiously,” Sridhar said.
"And then when you (Ashwin) got the ball in your hand, the bowling coach was super excited. He was like, 'Something is going to happen now'. Ashwin's first ball itself fizzed and bounced; my heart was beating fast.
My first thought was 'Oh dear, how is Rishabh Pant going to keep to Ashwin on this wicket'. He was under pressure, was playing his first game. So that was running on my mind, I wanted to tell him to stand 2-3 inches behind. I called Saha and told him my thoughts immediately. I was hoping we'll get 4 wickets before lunch," Sridhar said.
Smith managed 0 and 8 in the MCG Test which India won by 8 wickets, after the horrible result at Adelaide and despite Virat Kohli going back home on parental leave. Ajinkya Rahane, stand-in captain, scored a brilliant ton, while Bumrah picked 6 wickets and Ashwin got 5 wickets in the match.
(India today inputs)
