Australian batsman Matt Renshaw has revealed he is confident of being able to handle the threat of Ravichandran Ashwin if he receives an opportunity during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia's four-Test series, which starts on February 9, will see Renshaw battle for a place in the best XI, with Australia's top six seemingly relatively stable.
Cameron Green's fitness is pending as he recovers from a finger injury, however all of David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, vice-captain Steve Smith, Travis Head and Green are almost certain to line up in Nagpur, while Alex Carey will wear the gloves at number seven.
That leaves Renshaw outside the playing XI, however, speaking to AAP, he said he was confident of being ready if he receives an opportunity.
Ravichandran Ashwin is critical to India's hopes despite now being 36 years of age. The veteran of 88 Tests, who made his debut in 2011, has taken 312 wickets at 21.16 in Indian conditions, while also averaging 18.96 when bowling in the fourth innings of Test matches.
Renshaw noted that bowling to left-handers makes Ashwin particularly dangerous, but said he would be ready.
"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," Renshaw told AAP.
"I think the big challenge from Ashwin and any offspinner in spinning conditions to a left-hander is the lbw threat. 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. We have a strong squad and it is going to be hard to push my way in, but I know that I will be ready if I do get a chance."
Renshaw finds himself in excellent white-ball form in the BBL, having produced a weight of runs which saw him selected to replace Green for his Test return during the final of the summer against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
