Can’t replicate Lyon but up for a fight: Ashwin

Partnerships will hold the key not just in batting but bowling as well during India’s Test clashes with Australia as the hosts cannot really be blown away in a single burst, visiting off-spinner R Ashwin said Friday. India and Australia begin a four-match Test showdown from December 6 in Adelaide.

Ashwin said India got good bowling practice in the ongoing warm-up game ahead of the first Test here. Cricket Australia XI finished day three on 356-6 with Ashwin taking 1-63 from 24 overs and Mohammed Shami picking 3-67 from 18 overs. R ASHWIN, On how to bowl in Australia

“You have to stitch together partnerships even when bowling and it’s very important to ascertain your role to get what you can out of the game,” Ashwin said at the end of day’s play.

“It’s very important to soak together good partnerships as a bowling group then try and knock them over. You won’t blow

oppositions away, it might happen once in a while - but you have to get your noses ahead and keep it ahead,” he said.

Ashwin said he expects the wickets to be flat, which would require his teammates to play “smart cricket through the series.” Ashwin said bowling in partnerships will be of para- mount importance especially since India will be missing a fifth bowler in injured Hardik Pandya.

Indian bowlers did well in England and South Africa but considering the nature of pitches, they maybe in for a long haul. Ashwin has his plans ready for the challenge. “As a spinner it’s important to stick it out there in the first innings, if I get some help in the second innings then try to pitch in. That’s similar to how I came here last time, I had a very good series and that was one of the turning points in my career,” he said.

“It’s more about getting your noses ahead in Australia. Every hour, the game can get away from you really fast in the field. We have some quality batsmen who can take the game away from them.”

The off-spinner will be in competition with Australia’s Nathan Lyon during the series. Ashwin said the duo cannot replicate each other’s styles but expects an interesting duel with his counterpart. “I also watch his videos. We started our Test careers at the same time so obviously mutual admiration is there. He has done well over the last couple years and he is bowling well.

“The ball is coming out well off his hand. What can I learn? Probably drop the ball at the right spots and probably as the series goes on look forward to a good competition,” he said.

SYDNEY: You have to stitch together partnerships even when bowling and it’s very important to ascertain your role to get what you can out of the game.