"The Critical Over: India Star Reveals What Went Wrong for Ashwin Against Australia"

Senior wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik believes that Ravichandran Ashwin was let down by the change of ball, which turned out to be softer and easier for Australian hitters to score on. When Ashwin bowled Usman Khawaja off the second delivery of the third morning, Team India, who had given Australia a meagre 76 target, received some relief.

What Kartik Said About Ashwin

"As a momentum bowler, Ashwin often extends his session by two to three balls after taking a wicket. After the first wicket, Ashwin bowled a lot of balls that worried Head " Karthik spoke with Cricbuzz.

In fact, throughout the first 10 overs, India was in charge. "Ashwin bowled extremely well in the first 10 overs, keeping decent length, but the minute they changed that ball, they were not satisfied with the ball, perhaps because the stitches had given a little bit close to the leather," Karthik said.

After 10 overs, Australia was 13/1, and the ball needed to be replaced because it had some issues at the seam. Travis Head, a left-hander, cranked it up in the next over, smashing the top India off-spinner for a boundary and a six to take control. He was on five from 22 balls at the time.

"The new ball really altered the situation. Not as difficult as they had anticipated. Most likely, it lacked the bite that a harder ball may have had. From that point on, everything simply went entirely in Australia's favour." Karthik referred to Ashwin's 13 run with the altered ball in the 11th over as a "vital" point in the game.

"That was a crucial over because he gave up two loose balls a little bit fuller, and Travis Head didn't turn around after that. That's it, I'm on the charge now, he replied. I'm in high spirits, and my defence is going well. The batter seizes on a minor inaccuracy you make." "Yeah, the pressure was different since you were pursuing a modest objective. But Head made sure he didn't turn around once he knew his limits "says he.

Australia's entry into the World Test Championship final was assured with the victory. India now has to win the fourth and final Test, which starts in Ahmedabad on xx, in order to go to the WTC Final.