Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith on Tuesday conceded that he has let seasoned Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dictate terms in their duels so far, something that “I’ve probably never let any spinner do in my career.” Smith has been enduring a horror run in the ongoing Test series against India, failing to play any knock of significance so far. The series is currently level at 1-1 after India secured an eight-wicket win in the second game in Melbourne on Tuesday. “I probably haven’t played Ashwin as well as I would’ve liked. I probably would’ve liked to have put him under a bit more pressure,” Smith told SEN Radio about his struggles against Ashwin, who dismissed him for a nought in the first innings of the just-concluded game.
“I’ve sort of let him dictate terms and that’s something I’ve probably never let any spinner do in my career. I’ve sort of taken it to them, been a bit more aggressive and made them change things,” he lamented.
Ashwin, on his part, said he understands Smith’s importance in the Australian line-up and plans thoroughly for him.
The 31-year-old Smith said he is desperate to stay at the crease for a long innings, which has not been happening for him this year.
“It’s kind of a two-edged sword in a way, but I think I’ve just got to have the confidence to take it on and play my game,” said Smith.
“At the moment I’m searching for time in the middle; that’s the most important thing for me. When I look at this year, 64 balls is the longest I’ve spent in the middle, during those one-day games.
