For Ravichandran Ashwin, it’s all about “enjoying” his trade and “having all the fun” he possibly can when he’s out to bowl in a Test match.

It helped that the Australia batsmen were a bit over-defensive against the quicks, but sticking to that mindset was paramount for Ashwin, who had the best bowling figures — 4/55 — among the Indians on Day II of the ongoing Day-Night pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Ashwin’s biggest scalp on Friday was of course Steve Smith. “Obviously, it was a big wicket coming at the right time. We all know how long Steve can bat. In the context of the game, it was a big wicket and I am happy to get the better of him. I really enjoyed that wicket,” the off-spinner said at the virtual media conference at the end of the day’s play.

Ashwin, though, prefers to look at the larger perspective instead of pondering if Friday’s performance was his best so far in overseas conditions. “In the last two years, if people don’t reflect upon a couple of not–so-great situations or matches if I may call so, I have had decent outings over the last 18 months every time I have gone on to play abroad.

“Things can get blown out of context, but I’ve learnt to put them in the shelf and in the backyard, and as far as I am concerned, I’ve learnt from there and I want to enjoy my trade and have all the fun I possibly can.

“I don’t want to sit back and think if that was the best or not. There’s an innings to go and I’m looking forward to the entire series, taking it as a great opportunity to play the game I love,” he explained.