After persistent woes with its openers in the first two matches, Australia entrusted the highly-talented debutant Will Pucovski to take charge alongside the returning David Warner at the top of the order in Sydney on Thursday. The youngster did not disappoint, slamming 62 to get his team off to a good start after Warner was dismissed early.
Pucovski missed the first two Tests with concussion issues after being hit on the helmet during a warm-up game against India A.
The opener rode his luck after he was dropped twice by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, once of R. Ashwin and then Mohammed Siraj.
Commenting on his first day of International cricket, the 22-year-old felt Ashwin was the most challenging bowler he faced during his knock.
“Playing your first international game, I would say Ashwin is the one who is the most unique in a way,” said Pucovski when asked about which bowler troubled him.
“Obviously (Jasprit) Bumrah has his unique action, but Ashwin just with his different variations and how he uses the seam to sort of bowl. His little different variations, was something that I hadn't experienced before, so that was quite challenging,” he added.
On the current state of the match, Pucovski felt that pitch was batting-friendly and is hopeful that his team can post a big total and dominate the game with its bowling attack.
“It was a very nice batting wicket. I am very hopeful that with the amount of batting that is in now and what we have got to come, we can post a good total. Then with the world-class attack that we have, put them under the pump and hopefully dominate the game,” he added.