Veteran India off-spinner R Ashwin says he has managed to counter Oz batter Steve over the years; attributes it to watching him closely in IPL franchises

India's veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday spoke on his 'battle' with former Australia skipper Steve Smith by stating he has 'figured out' the Aussie over the course of their decade-old battle in Test match cricket.

Ashwin's comment day less than two weeks before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which could potentially be their final face-off.

Veteran cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin, renowned for his spin bowling prowess, has consistently challenged Smith's batting technique.