India vs Australia | Very happy with a tough opening win, says Ravi Shastri

India got off to a cracker of a start in the ongoing Test series against Australia as they managed to register a 31-run win against Tim Paine & Co. in the series opener at Adelaide. Australia were bowled out for 291 in the second innings after a brilliant bowling performance from the Indian team.

Chief coach, Ravi Shastri, was over the top after the win as he admitted that his side were made to work hard for the victory. While India slipped up here and there in the first innings, they were clinical in the second.

"Very very happy with this win. It was a tough, tough Test match. The boys were disciplined and they stuck to their task. We lost in England by 31 runs, we lost a close first match in South Africa by around 60 runs but this is a very good win, feels really good. There's belief in the team when you get off to a good start. There were some rash shots played, some foolish cricket but they learnt from their mistakes and rectified it in the second innings," Shastri said at a post-match press conference.

The Indian coach reserved praise for his bowlers - Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin - who were vital throughout the course of the game. 

"They'll have to rest (the pacers) and be fully fit for Perth. There's plenty on offer for the fast bowlers but they'll have to be at their best. The pacers were brilliant in the first innings, something they've worked on. As a bowling unit when you show such kind of discipline, you can put any side under pressure," Shastri added.

Shastri also spoke about youngster Rishabh Pant who scored 28 and 25 across both innings. He said that Pant needs to be given freedom to play his natural game.

"You gotta allow him (Pant) to play his game. He has to be a bit sensible and smart now. If he makes a mistake I'll be in his ears," Shastri concluded.