3rd Test: When adversities grow, the team come together, says R Ashwin

While agreeing to the fact that it will be tough for the batsmen, Ashwin also felt the pitch will not be a typical Day Five minefield

India will need to bat out of their skin if they are to conjure up a draw in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The visitors need another 309 runs to secure victory, but with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill back in the pavilion it seems likely that the rest of the batsmen will attempt to survive the remaining 98 overs on the final day. It will be a tough task given the inconsistent bounce on the SCG pitch. Add to that Ravindra Jadeja is unlikely to bat after suffering a fracture. Rishabh Pant is also suffering from a bruised elbow. Pant is likely to bat, but he is certain to be hampered by the injury.

India are facing an uphill task but according to R Ashwin all the adversity is bound to gel the group even further. "When adversities grow, the team come together. Even after the Adelaide Test we came together, had a chat, and I thought we came together pretty tight after the game. The result was what you saw in the MCG win. It is an opportunity to show what mettle we are made of and everybody is putting up a good fight." Ashwin said.

Asked about how much of an impact the injury to Jadeja has had on the team, Ashwin said, "Jadeja's ball rising from back of a length and injuring him. Sometimes these things happen and they do set you back. I won't say it is not a setback. It is what it is."

While agreeing to the fact that it will be tough for the batsmen, Ashwin also felt the pitch will not be a typical Day Five minefield. "The pitch has been quite slow, and it has been good to bat on. In fact, the balls that we saw misbehave yesterday, the ones that went up and down, has also kind of come down because of the slow nature of the pitch. I also think the roller is playing a role. And because the game started off with the pitch not seeing a lot of sun, the wicket is getting better to bat as the sun is belting down on it. As a team behind in the game, like we are, we are hopeful we can put a good performance in the first session tomorrow."

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