Labuschagne tinkers game to combat Ashwin, India

Marnus Labuschagne has revealed he has made changes to his game to combat spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, after spending two years preparing for next month's Qantas tour of India.

Ashwin will loom as one of India's biggest threats in next month's four-Test series, with a shootout likely between he and Nathan Lyon as the world's best finger-spinners.

Ashwin claimed Labuschagne's wicket twice in India's 2020-21 series success in Australia, although the Queenslander still averaged 53.25 with the bat.

The off-spinner recently claimed he had picked up on triggers in Labuschagne's batting and shot selection during that series.

For his part, Labuschagne likened the battle between the pair to a game of chess, with the 28-year-old the world's No.1-ranked bat and Ashwin the No.4-rated bowler.

"I've changed some of my game because of what I've heard about Ashwin and how he bowled to me," Labuschagne said.

"I've adapted my game to try and foil a few of his ideas and ways he goes about it. 

"It's going to be a lovely game of chess and I can't wait for it."

Labuschagne said he had begun strategising how he would take on India's bowlers immediately after the 2020-21 home series.

Labuschagne toured Pakistan and Sri Lanka last year, preparing by batting on his self-made spin mat on his back deck.

He made a century in the last Test in Galle against Sri Lanka, but was frustrated by his inability to go on and make big runs as he has at home.

Labuschagne is unsure whether he will have enough time to return home and practise on the mat before leaving for India at the end of January, with a string of BBL games before then.

But regardless, he said India has been at the core of his preparation for the past two years.

"The preparation starts so far back," Labuschagne said.

"People think, right now it's Big Bash then you start thinking - but the thinking happens way ahead.

"You start processing everything in your mind, you go through every scenario of what bowler you are going to come across.

"I've already thought about my plans, so now it's just about executing.

"Finding out, 'That works, that doesn't work. How can that part of my game fit in?', and just piece the puzzle together."

Qantas Border-Gavaskar Tour of India 2023

February 9-13: First Test, Nagpur, 3pm AEDT

February 17-21: Second Test, Delhi, 3pm AEDT

March 1-5: Third Test, Dharamsala, 3pm AEDT

March 9-13: Fourth Test, Ahmedabad, 3pm AEDT

March 17: First ODI, Mumbai, 7pm AEDT

March 19: Second ODI, Vizag, 7pm AEDT

March 22: Third ODI, Chennai, 7pm AEDT