Sydney, Jan 3 (Reporter) India wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant described the Sydney pitch as "tough" for batsmen, highlighting the challenges posed by the wicket during the ongoing Test match against Australia at the SCG here on Friday. After India’s first innings total of 185, Pant expressed hope that the score could still test Australia batsmen given the bowling-friendly conditions. Pant noted that the ball moved significantly off the wicket, particularly during the second session, making life difficult for the India batsmen. "The pitch offered substantial assistance to bowlers, especially in terms of movement," said Pant, adding that a par score on such a surface would have been in the range of 220-250 runs. Pant was all praise for Australia pacer Scott Boland, whose four-wicket haul proved instrumental in dismantling India’s batting lineup. Boland’s performance took his tally to 15 wickets in just three matches in the series. "His accuracy and ability to adapt quickly to the conditions make him a standout bowler in Test cricket," Pant remarked. Despite the challenging conditions and personal setbacks, Pant delivered a gritty performance, top-scoring for India with 40 runs off 98 deliveries. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja offered a brief period of stability before Boland struck again, triggering a collapse that saw India bowled out for 185. Pant’s innings was not without its physical toll. He sustained multiple body blows, including a painful hit from a 140KPH delivery by Mitchell Starc. "It was the first time I’ve taken so many hits in a single innings," he admitted. However, he emphasised his commitment to contributing to the team’s effort, even under duress. Pant underlined the importance of adaptability in such tough conditions and urged his teammates to find ways to counter effective bowlers like Boland. With the bowlers receiving significant assistance from the pitch, India remain hopeful of leveraging these conditions to trouble Australia batsmen in their first innings. As the match progresses, the focus will shift to how India’s bowlers exploit the conditions to keep the contest alive in what promises to be a gripping Test encounter...////...