India still in with a chance: Ashwin

Sydney, Jan 9 (IANS) Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin insisted Friday that India are still in the game despite trailing by 348 runs at stumps on day four of the fourth Test against Australia here.

India were bowled out for 475 in the first innings, handing the home team a 97-run lead. Australia blasted the visiting bowlers to reach 251 for six in 40 overs in their second innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

“It was pretty similar in Adelaide as well and we did well there. It is still decently poised although they have an ace up. I batted today and there are not a lot of devils in the wicket but it is hard to score,” Ashwin said at a press conference Friday.

The 28-year-old was the lone bright spot for the tourists Friday, picking up four wickets for 105 after scoring his third half-century (50) in Tests.

He believed that if a batsman has the mindset to stay at the crease, then the pitch would not pose too much problems.

“It’s a kind of wicket where if a batsman applies, it is difficult to get him out. It all depends on a batsman’s attitude and mindset. We will also try to be positive when we bat,” he said.

The spinner however lamented on the fact that they leaked too many runs, which has now given the home team an edge in the contest.

“We picked up wickets but were leaking 15-16 runs from the other end and that didn’t help our cause. But it’s gone now and we have to look forward,” he added.