India batter Rishabh Pant believes his innings of 40 from 98 deliveries on day one of the fifth Test against Australia proves he is capable of reining in his attacking instincts.

Pant has faced criticism for the manner of his dismissals during this series, particularly when twice caught on the boundary during his side's fourth Test defeat in Melbourne.

He walked to the crease with his side 57-3 and played a more measured innings at the SCG, however, producing his side's top score as they were bowled out for 185.

The 27-year-old claimed that the nature of the pitch and the precarious scorecard resulted in him playing a more defensive knock.

He said: "Sometimes you have to play more sensible cricket.

"The way the wicket was we knew that we might lose two or three in quick succession so that was the idea.

"Last mast match I was pretty fine with the way I was playing. Mostly you want to back whatever way you have played the game but eventually you have got to keep on evolving. There is not one way to play cricket but whatever comes more naturally is always better."