India vs Australia: ‘Wanted to put Ashwin under pressure’, says Steve Smith after returning to type in Sydney Test

Australian batsman Steve Smith seemed in a cushty house whereas batting on the opening day of the third Test in opposition to India on the Sydney Cricket Ground. Unlike his earlier innings, Smith went out with all his weapons blazing in opposition to the Indian assault after Aussie captain Tim Paine opted to bat.Smith walked out to bat after debutant opener Will Pucovski fell for 62. He returned unbeaten on 31 because the hosts have been snug 166 for two at stumps of a rain-marred day.ALSO READ | India vs Australia: ‘Since his debut, he’s dropped extra catches than another keeper on the earth,’ Ricky Ponting unimpressed with Rishabh PantAfter the tip of day’s play, Smith stated he was seeking to put senior Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin below stress after being on the receiving finish of the India off-spinner’s guile within the first two Tests.“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.Smith seemed completely decided whereas dealing with the Indian batsmen on the SCG. He managed to interrupt the streak 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,” Smith added.ALSO READ | India vs Australia: ‘Get a start, lock yourself in and make sure you score big runs,’ Ricky Ponting on SCG pitchSmith and Labuschagne (67*) have up to now added 60 runs for the third wicket to assist Australia regain momentum after getting defeated by 8-wickets within the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. This was after debutant Will Pucovski made 62 on debut to interrupt the shackles for the under-fire aspect.(With PTI Inputs)