'Why is Ashwin going be the threat?': Chappell makes masterful assessment of 'smart cricketer' to advice AUS antidote

When Team India had set sail, almost a decade back, in their journey to become one of the best Test-playing nation ever, they ticked a vital box very early in their campaign - creating a fortress at home. Since 2012, India have never lost a Test series at home, and has lost only one Test match since then. And one of pivotal players in India's dominance at home as has been Ravichandran Ashwin. Ahead of the impending Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia, the Pat Cummins-led side is being warned about the veteran off-spinner by experts of the game, but former captain Ian Chappell, through his masterful assessment of Ashwin, has advised the touring Aussie team of a perfect antidote.

Since 2012, Ashwin has picked 290 Test wickets at home at an impressive average of just 21.03 with six ten-wicket hauls and 22 fi-fers. It is the most by any bowler at home during this period.

Chappell, in his interaction organised by Star Sports, the official broadcasters of the Test series for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, admitted that Ashwin will be biggest threat for the Aussies, but feels that if the tourists allow him to dictate the game, they will be in trouble, hence advising the batters to be "proactive".

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"Why is Ashwin likely to be the threat? Because he is a smart cricketer. Ashwin will always be a problem. Now, if you let him bowl the way he wants to bowl, you are in trouble. He will be a threat to Australia throughout. They have got to be proactive," Chappell said.

"You got to be thinking about being proactive. If you are not dictating terms, then you are in trouble. You have to get singles and rotate the strike. He (Ashwin) then has to change (his strategy against) whom he is bowling to then."

Chappell also advised Australia against using Ashton Agar as a second spinner only because he is a handy lower order batter.

"Australia should not get carried away by left and right combination. India have got one in Ashwin and Jadeja who are both very good bowlers. Agar is a guy, who averages 40. If he is picked for few runs down the order, there would be a temptation to play him as Cameron Green can't bowl. But that theory is rubbish," said Chappell.

"If Agar is not among your two best spinners, then don't pick him. Bowlers are there to pick wickets. It is up to batters to get runs."