Despite the Indian bowlers working hard to improve the visitors' chances of a win, Australia finished Day 4 on 261 for seven with Shaun March (62 no out) and Ryan Harris (8 not out) still fighting on.
"We exactly don't know where this match is headed, but we are in very positive frame of mind. You never know, maybe tomorrow morning we can get them out early or they can set a target for us. We are positive and we will take it as it goes and see what happens," said Ashwin in the post-day presser.
The Indian attack improved on their performance from the first innings and did not let Australia run away in their second essay, getting wickets at regular intervals. Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Ashwin shared two wickets apiece but the Australian lower-order once again resisted.
"We were expecting nicks but they were not easy to come as the carry is not good and we were standing up. The cloud cover aided zip off the wicket today and hopefully it won't be there tomorrow," said Ashwin.
"My role didn't change much. Because the wicket isn't deteriorating too much, I needed to be a little more imaginative in terms of what I had to do in terms for taking wickets. I was trying to use my imagination, keep one end tight and work within my limits.