Indian spinner says pitch is an unknown

Australia will resume on Saturday's third day of play in the first Test at 7-191, 59 runs in arrears of India's first innings total.

Ashwin gained some sharp spin and turn from the pitch on day two when he claimed 3-50 from 33 overs.

But the offspinner is uncertain about just what assistance the pitch will offer him when Australia bat for a second time.

"I really don't know how much it's going to deteriorate," he said.

"I don't know what is going to happen because it's a drop-in wicket.

"But because of the amount of grass, I don't see the footmarks widening as much as they did the last time (in Adelaide in 2014).

"You will have to wait and watch."

Ashwin on Friday tore through Australia's top-order, capturing three consecutive wickets to reduce the home side to 4-87.

All of his victims were lefthanders - Marcus Harris, Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja.

"I haven't much to the righthanders in this game but ... there is a lot of action happening (from the pitch) for the righthanders," Ashwin said.

"There isn't much happening for the lefthanders for an offie.

"But it's not easy to make the shots when you get the pace right and there is a bit of hold because of thickness of the grass."

Australian Associated Press