Khawaja lauds Ashwin's cricketing intelligence and spin brilliance

Melbourne, Australian top-order batsman Usman Khawaja has always enjoyed the competition and battles on the field with star Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Khawaja commended Ashwin for his strategic approach to bowling, stating that the off-spinner always has a plan up his sleeve. Ashwin currently ranks as the third-highest wicket-taker among Indian bowlers in Test matches in Australia, trailing only Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev. Additionally, Ashwin leads the charts in all bilateral series with a total of 114 wickets, including seven five-wicket hauls. "Ravi is an exceptional bowler with a great cricketing brain. He is constantly analyzing and adapting to stay ahead in the game," Khawaja praised Ashwin's skills. "It's always a challenge and an honor to face him on the field. I have a lot of respect for him and his tactical acumen," Khawaja expressed his admiration for Ashwin.

This will be Ashwin's fifth Test tour of Australia, having been part of the sides that played in 2011-12, 2014-15, 2018-19 and 2020-21 although on last two tours, he had injury issues.

Don't think India are favourites: Travis Head

==================================

Meanwhile, India's current nemesis Travis Head had asserted that despite visiting team's dominance during last two Test series, he does not feel the visitors will be the 'favourites' this time around.

"I don't feel like they're my favourite. I just feel like we play them enough, play them lot," he told Star Sports.

"And, I guess the last couple of years I've been in nice form. So yeah, being able to play well, it's always nice.

"It's not hard to get up for the contest. It's hugely competitive. Yeah, it's easier to get up for the game. So, I wouldn't say they're my favourite."

However, the 30-year-old warned that Rohit Sharma and Co. will be a difficult lot to compete against and the Aussies need to be at their best, especially 'in a couple of games'.

"They're extremely difficult but it's been nice to play well in a couple of games and looking forward to preparing well and being ready to go. And hopefully, I can contribute to what's a successful summer for us," he added.

The two teams will lock horns in the upcoming five-Test series in Australia starting November 22, as India defends the Border-Gavaskar Trophy it has won over past four bilateral engagements .

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.