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- Published: February 3, 2023 18:27
New Delhi: How will the Aussies face Indian spinners has been one of the major questions ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Cricket Australia’s media handle shared a glimpse into Australia’s spin preparations and the clip shows that they have brought in a ‘carbon copy’ of Ravichandran Ashwin to bowl in the nets. Spinner Mahesh Pithiya, who can copy Ashwin’s action and style, has been called up by visitors to prepare for spinning tracks.
How are the Aussies preparing for @ashwinravi99 ahead of their upcoming Test series with India? Well, they’ve only gone and flown in a near carbon copy of the star off-spinner as a net bowler | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/l9IPv6i43j
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 3, 2023
Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey talked about the training and facing Pithiya in the nets. He said that there are pretty good net bowlers in India and he could not pick the carrom ball. He added that the batters will approach the situations with a strong mindset and by being fresh.
He added that he is excited to see Ashton Agar bowl on Indian pitches and they are also looking forward to Marnus Labuschagne as a spin option.
Borada’s Ranji Trophy bowler Mahesh Pithiya is called “Ashwin” and the off-spinner is also his cricketing idol. Reportedly, he has made a good impression in front of Steve Smith.
Mahesh Pithiya grew up being called “Ashwin” owing to his uncanny impersonation of his idol @ashwinravi99 & he ended up ‘playing’ Ashwin for Australia in their first training session on tour & making a big impression on Steve Smith. Here’s how #IndvAus https://t.co/GnAd63DFN6 pic.twitter.com/BgNwOWGDC6
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 3, 2023
Meanwhile, batter Abhinav Mukund pointed out that Ravi Ashwin used to copy Harbhajan Singh while growing up and now young bowlers are copying him.
Funny how ashwin used to impersonate harbhajan growing up, now there are many ashwin clones. That just shows the impact he has had on Indian cricket. Will it help the aussies though? What if he changes his action now?? https://t.co/6Dsw8JaBAE
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) February 3, 2023
The 4-match Test series will begin on February 9 at VCA Stadium in Nagpur. The last three Border-Gavaskar Trophies have been won by India, including the last one in Australia against all odds as India narrowly defended the Sydney Test and broke all records at Gabba, courtesy of Rishabh Pant’s explosive chase.