With his opening role in Tests put to the back burner, Steve Smith is raring to make his comeback to his customary No. 4 spot in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. He is also particular about not getting out to off-spin (read R Ashwin) on his home turf.

Despite his mammoth Test-wicket tally, India’s off-spin giant Ashwin has struggled to match up to his Aussie counterpart Nathan Lyon in conditions Down Under, picking up 39 wickets in 10 Tests in Australia. However, Ashwin did manage to play an integral role during the last tour in 2020-21 where he got under Smith’s skin, nabbing him thrice for 64 runs during a historic 2-1 series win.

Last year, Ashwin locked up Smith during the BGT’s iteration in India, conceding only 22 runs while dismissing him twice.

“Ashwin nicked me off in the first innings in Adelaide and then got me at leg slip at the MCG on a tacky wicket,” Smith said about his 38-year-old adversary to The Age. “I don’t like getting out to off-spin in Australia. I feel as though it should be, particularly for a right-handed batter, relatively easy to face. But he’s also a very good bowler and he came in with some decent plans.

Smith, Australia’s highest active Test run-scorer, aims to dominate Ashwin this time with a more positive presence at the crease.

“There were a couple of occasions where he got on top of me, then I got on top of him at the SCG when I was a bit more proactive [Smith made 131 and 81]. So that’s key for me. Just be proactive against him and not let him settle and bowl the way he wants to,” Smith remarked.

Ashwin had recently explained how the IPL had helped him demystify Smith’s batting as the duo shared time together with the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant and the Delhi Capitals.

“Steve Smith is someone that’s fascinating as a player against spin especially. He has his own unique technique, even playing fast bowling. But with spin I think he came in with sound game plans, sound preparations and yeah, he used to execute it come what may. And over the years I’ve found ways and means to be able to break it down,” Ashwin told Channel 7.

“His time at Delhi Capitals, his time at RPSG, all these net sessions that I’ve 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. 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, I’ve had an edge over him. I’ve had the wood over him,” explained Ashwin.