Australian batting legend Steve Smith and India’s best off-spinner R Ashwin have engaged in a number of on-field conflicts recently, particularly in Test cricket. During the India-Australia games, their matches have been among the most watched because they are two of the greatest in their respective fields. Ashwin recently talked about how hard he planned to defeat Smith in the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
It’s interesting to note that Ashwin has dismissed the legendary Australian player eight times in Test cricket. Following the rain-affected third Test of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba, which finished in a tie, Ashwin recently declared his retirement from international cricket. Only Anil Kumble has taken more wickets than the off-spinner, who has taken 537 in 106 Test matches.
However, Smith is considered one of the best batters of his time and in Test cricket, he recently joined the illustrious 10,000-run club. As he watched Smith bat on TV, Ashwin disclosed that he closely examined his batting technique, frequently focusing on his hands.
“I have seen Steve Smith bat at home so many times that I can’t even count. On TV, I used to focus on his hands. I believe it took me a few days to get a good look at my wife and children while they were at home. From a distance, my wife observes and inquires as to if I am attracted to Smith. At the AWS AI Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru, Ashwin expressed her worry.
When playing spin, the 38-year-old demonstrated Smith’s unconventional approach and hand movements. Additionally, he cited the 2020–21 series’ Adelaide Test, where he dismissed the batsman.
Smith used an unconventional method that required his hand to descend at a specific moment; it was strange. If I may interfere with his technique, I discovered that. Instead of jumping, I considered loading and delivering the ball. In Adelaide, I delivered that ball. “He slipped because he was late,” the spinner continued.
“He is an exceptional performer,” said Steve Smith about R Ashwin
Ashwin’s variations caused Smith some difficulties during the 2020–21 BGT, and Smith said that he had to adjust a lot to counter the crafty spinner.
“I just knicked one that didn’t spin; regrettably, that does happen occasionally. In all honesty, I felt that was fairly well bowled. The first two balls spun a little and gained some hold on the wicket, but the third ball skidded off with a sort of side spin. I could have played better, but I didn’t. They bowled pretty well.
“He has played a lot of cricket lately and is a good bowler. He is an elite performer. He attempted to drag the wicket on after bowling from around it. It was an enjoyable bowling match. After the Adelaide Test, Smith had stated in a virtual press conference that “adapting is part of playing anywhere.”
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