India vs Australia: Steve Smith says he was trying to put Ashwin underneath strain

Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith on Thursday stated he was trying to put Ravichandran Ashwin underneath strain after being on the receiving finish of the India off-spinner’s guile within the first two Tests.
Breaking his run of poor scores, Smith performed some attacking photographs and marched to an unbeaten 31 by the shut of play on the opening day of the third Test on the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Australia have been snug 166 for 2 at stumps of a rain-marred day, with Marnus Labuschagne giving Smith firm on 67.
“I’m good, nice to spend a bit of time out there, nice to stitch in a partnership with Marnus. I wanted to put him (Ashwin) under a little bit of pressure which I haven’t done this series,” Smith stated on the finish of the day’s play.
As he confronted the Indian bowlers, Smith appeared decided to make an announcement after his uncharacteristic run of low scores within the first two Tests of the four-match collection.
“I was just trying to hold the grip a bit tighter, I’ve been struggling, so I was getting into good positions today. I was good to get a couple of boundaries early. Marnus played well, hopefully we go along well tomorrow,” the star batsman added.
Smith and Labuschagne added 60 runs for the third wicket to assist Australia regain some misplaced floor after the great defeat to the guests within the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
The collection is presently locked at 1-1.