'It was like a chess game' - Marnus Labuschagne opens up on his battle with Ravichandran Ashwin

Australian batting stalwart Marnus Labuschagne has opened up on facing Indian spin bowling legend Ravichandran Ashwin. Labuschagne stated that Ashwin is good at assessing batters, and added that that is the reason why he enjoys facing Ashwin.

Labuschagne also said that the best part of his battle with Ashwin were the field placements in place for him. The Aussie batter also said that his battle with Ashwin felt like a chess game to him.

“He is very good at assessing batsmen, and that’s why I have enjoyed facing him. He has picked up some things I do when I play certain shots. What I loved most about Ashwin was the fields he had for me and how I was trying to move the field in my endeavour to score runs. Just the way both of us were able to chop and change in the middle of an engrossing passage. It almost felt like a chess game. He bowled beautifully in Melbourne… got a few early wickets with the leg slip,” said Labuschagne in a chat with Sportstar.

I can challenge myself when I visit the subcontinent: Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne also added that both Steve Smith and himself played Ashwin well in Sydney last year. Adding that the Aussies have a few trips to the subcontinent lined up before their tour to India, Labuschagne stated that he can challenge himself ahead of the series against India in the subcontinent tracks. Labuschagne concluded by stating that the wicket in Sydney was a better one, as the bounce could be trusted there.

“Smith and I played him well in Sydney. We’ve got a few subcontinent tours before my next trip to India, and hopefully, I can challenge myself in those conditions. I have a few tricks up my sleeve. In Sydney, the wicket was better, you could trust the bounce and play those leg-side shots,” concluded Labuschagne.

Labuschagne will next be seen in action when Australia takes on Pakistan in a three-match Test series in the month of March.