Australia's debutant Will Pucovski survived two dropped chances against India on the first day of the third Test. On both occasions, it was Rishabh Pant who failed to hold on to the ball.
India spinner R Ashwin managed to produce an edge after Pucovski came on the front foot to defend the ball. There wasn't a huge deflection and it was an easy catch for the wicket-keeper but Pant failed to grab it.
Ashwin's expression after the catch drop says it all. If it wasn't enough, Pucovski got another lifeline after Mohammed Siraj troubled the youngster with a bouncer.
Pucovski gloved the short ball in the air behind the stumps and Pant had to take a dive to catch the ball. Unfortunately, he spilled the ball and failed to catch it cleanly in the second attempt as the third umpire felt the ball touched the ground.
The 22-year-old was finally dismissed by India's debutant seamer Navdeep Saini after scoring 62 in his maiden innings. He was out leg-before wicket in the 35th over of Australia's innings.
Australia ended the first day on the score of 166/2. Saini and Siraj picked up one-wicket each, while Marnus Labuschagne scored 67* and Steve Smith added 31* for Australia.
