Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about the unique tactic he employs, occasionally making friends with media personnel to get footage of batters during practice sessions.

Ashwin, who is set to play his 100th Test match in Dharamsala against England, recalled employing this strategy during the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. During the Australia tour, he claimed 12 wickets in 3 Tests, dismissing Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne multiple times.

The senior off-spinner said that the utility of this tactic is not only for acquiring insights into opponents' techniques but also for exerting pressure on the opposition.

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R Ashwin was quoted as saying by Jio Cinema: “Sometimes I make friends with the media guys and get footage from the backside when the batters are practicing in the nets. When I went to Australia, there were occasions where Marnus and Smith were using their feet and going back in the nets.”

The Indian spinner continued, “It really works because I feel human beings are very insecure. The moment they know you have them, you're winning half the battle.”

Ashwin also lauded England and Australia batters for their preparation against spin bowling. He signed off by saying, “I feel England and Australia batters bat against spin much better than some of our own on occasions because they know this is a very stern challenge, so year across they end up preparing to play spin, like we prepare to play seam and bounce.”

Ashwin named Australia's craftsman Steve Smith, New Zealand's veteran batter Kane Williamson and England's skillful star Joe Root as the batters he has loved bowling against.

"I've loved bowling to Steven Smith, [Kane] Williamson and Joe Root. They're some of the finest batters going around the world right now," Ashwin said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

(With Jio Cinema/ANI Inputs)