Australia batter Steve Smith has laid down the challenge for Ravichandran Ashwin, ahead of the first Test in Perth.

Steve Smith aims to adopt a proactive strategy against Ravichandran Ashwin in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to improve his performance following struggles against the Indian spinner in past series. Smith plans to unsettle Ashwin and regain dominance by maintaining composure and keeping his game uncomplicated.

Australian batting talisman Steve Smith wants to adopt a proactive approach against Ravichandran Ashwin in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy to avoid his struggles against the Indian spinner during the 2020-21 series.

Veteran cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin, renowned for his spin bowling prowess, has consistently challenged Smith's batting technique.

Steve Smith holds a career average of 54.2 against Ravichandran Ashwin, who has dismissed him on eight occasions. During the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, Smith scored just 22 runs off Ashwin while being dismissed twice.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith will face off during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22 in Perth.

Steve Smith expressed that the key to getting the better of India’s Ravichandran Ashwin would be taking a more proactive approach against the off-spinner.

Steve Smith hoped to land the first blow on the 38-year-old to gain an early upper hand in the five-match series, beginning at Perth from November 22.