Travis Head to seek Nielsen's advice to tackle Ashwin

Left-handed Australian batsman Travis Head is looking to pick the brains of his junior state teammate Harry Nielsen to tackle formidable off-spinner R Ashwin during the opening Test against India starting here on December 6.

South Australia's Nielsen (100), who is also a left-hander, negotiated Ashwin (2-122) well and scored a hundred in the warm-up game between Cricket Australia XI and India.

"Harry Nielsen (Cricket Australia XI) played him well enough in the practice game, so I am looking forward to having a word with him (about facing Ashwin)," said Head ahead of the first Test.

Ashwin has had a lot of success against left-handers during his career and Australia is likely to have at least four lefties in their playing XI but Head said his batsmen are capable of countering the Indian's threat.

"I faced Ashwin a couple times in IPL before this, so don't have much experience of playing him in Test cricket. But we have batsmen who can play spin well," he said.

"Look, it is not just about one spinner. If we play six right-handers, they will play Ravindra Jadeja who is another good bowler. I think it will be a good contest."
"We know he is a good batsman, but we have the bowlers to do a job. We have one of the best bowling units in world cricket so it will be an exciting battle. Hopefully we can come out on top."
"When I am batting, I will try to get into the game and just look to compete. That's what it is about - enjoying, playing with a smile and winning the contest for your team."
It is exciting to be in that mix and fighting for that Test spot. It helps make for a good strong batting line-up."
"I am looking forward to batting on a friendlier Adelaide wicket. We have three fierce pace bowlers to prepare against, and then also Nathan Lyon. We have three days to prepare and it will be a good workout for a challenging week ahead."