Set a target of 106 to win the match and with it the series, India were 19 for no loss at stumps, needing another 87.
"It was magical. You couldn't have asked for more. Jaddu and Saha batted really well. We get our noses ahead," Ashwin said after the third day's proceedings.
"This morning was really special. Saha and Jaddu were fantastic. It has been a magical season. I told Jaddu there was a hundred for the taking.
Ashwin, who picked up three wickets in the second session, also heaped praise on pacers Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for bowling tight spells.
"Great spells by Umesh and Bhuvi. Australia batted really well yesterday too, we had to buckle down," Ashwin said.