Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has played an instrumental role in Team India’s dominance over the years, especially in Test cricket.

In 105 Tests, Ashwin has claimed 536 wickets so far at an average of 23.95, including 37 five-wicket hauls. The ace off-spinner is expected to hold a key for India in upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 in Perth.

With almost a week remaining for the series, Ashwin shared an insight on his mind games with Steve Smith and how he has plotted the downfall of the star Australian batter.

Both Ashwin and Smith have had fascinating battles against each other on the cricket field over the years. While Ashwin has taken 114 wickets in 22 Tests against the Aussies, Smith has scored 2042 runs in 19 Tests against India with 9 hundreds to his name.

"Steve Smith is someone that's fascinating as a player against spin, specially. He has a unique technique even playing fast bowling. But with spin, I think he came up with sound game plans, sound preparations and he used to execute it come what may. And over the years, I have found ways and means to be able to break it down. His time at Delhi Capitals, his time at RPSG, all these net sessions that I have seen him go about his business, really gave me an insight as to how he prepares and what he likes and what he doesn't like," Ashwin said in a video shared by 7Cricket.

In another clip, Ashwin remarked, "I think he (Smith) is a very thinking cricketer. He wants to get one up on you all the time. But he's got very unique ways of practicing and unique ways of battling out with you in the middle. And sometimes as a bowler, when you're watching a batter go through his process, you do identify whether you have him or not. And several times in these years of having played with Steve Smith, I've felt that he has me. But several times much later when I think I've kind of figured out what he does or how he bats, is that I've had an edge over him, I've had the wood over him."

After the series opener in Perth, the action will shift to Adelaide (December 6-10), where both teams will face each other in a Day-Night Test. The last three Tests are set to take place in Brisbane (December 14-18), Melbourne (December 26-30), and Sydney (January 3-7).