Bgt showdown

Boxing Day Test: As the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series looms, Australia opener Usman Khawaja has praised Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for his tactical brilliance and relentless challenge to the Australian batting order.

With the first Test set to begin in Perth on November 22, Khawaja acknowledged Ashwin’s unmatched skill, calling him a “strategic” bowler who constantly looks to outsmart his opponents.

"Ravi is a very good bowler. He is very strategic; he always has a plan. He tries to figure it out and stay ahead of the game, which I respect. I respect his cricketing brain," Khawaja told Star Sports. "It's always cool to play against him, and I look forward to the challenge."