First Test still neck-and-neck, says Ashwin

Adelaide: Far from getting excited after having Australia in a spot of bother, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said on Friday the first Test is "extremely well poised" and every run in the remaining days will be worth its weight in gold. 

A relentless Indian bowling attack restricted Australia to 191 for seven on the second day. "I thought we really bottled them up, soaked them up and put on pressure from both ends," said Ashiwn, the most successful visiting bowler with figures of 3/50. 

"We don't isolate it as a fast bowling or spin bowling pack. We identify it as a bowling unit together because one cannot exist without the other. Today was another perfect attrition day for us," he said at the post-match press conference.

Australia trailed by 59 runs and Ashwin said the Test was still on equal terms. "I bowled an extended 22-over spell even before and after tea to make sure that we do not give away more runs. 

"I see it as neck-and-neck in the game. Whoever can get momentum from hereon has the edge in this Test. I think it is extremely well poised. Every run is going to be gold dust from here."