Matt Renshaw 'ready' for 'litmus-test' against Ravichandran Ashwin

Australian batter, Matthew Renshaw, has admitted that he is absolutely ready to face the big challenge of Ravichandran Ashwin, if he gets an opportunity to play any of the Tests against India.

His comments come amidst major talks on India's "spin-friendly" pitches, and how touring batters around the world need to up their A-game in facing spin deliveries, if they wish to succeed in the subcontinent. But things do get tough if the spinner is of Ashwin's stature.

Smart bowler: Matt Renshaw admits Ravichandran Ashwin is clever but ready to face him

"Ashwin is difficult to face. He is a smart bowler with a lot of variations and he uses them very well, but you do get used to him, once you've faced him for a while," the 26-year-old said to the Australian Associated Press on Wednesday, January 24.

Matt Renshaw admitted that Ashwin is one of the smartest bowlers in world cricket presently, and his ability to use his intelligence with unbelievably deceiving variations is something which aids the 36-year-old's attempts to give batters a tough time at the crease. However, Renshaw also stated that he is more than ready to face this 'litmus test', provided he is allowed a game in any of the Tests in India.

"I think the big challenge from Ashwin and any off-spinner in spinning conditions to a left-hander is the lbw threat." Renshaw indicated Australia should be wary of Ashwin's delivery that doesn't spin and has caused a lot of LBW dismissals.

"Obviously everyone thinks about the one that turns and gets you caught at slip, but the big one is the LBW when it doesn't spin. You just have to be ready for that one. I think two years batting at No.5 helped me with facing spin. I know my game a lot better now and I am a lot more comfortable in different situations," he added.

Renshaw is still part of the Brisbane Heat's BBL campaign and has been preparing for India by having the spinners in his team, such as Mitchell Swepson, Matt Kuhnemann and even Marnus Labuschagne, bowl the Sanspareil Greenlands (SG) ball at him that is used in Test cricket in India.

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