Ravi Ashwin admitted India were "extremely disappointed but not embarrassed" by their woeful performances in Australia.
India spinner defends team's effort level in Australia
Ravi Ashwin admitted India were "extremely disappointed but not embarrassed" by their woeful performances in Australia.
The tourists closed day four of the final Test on 166-6 in pursuit of a victory target of 500, leaving them requiring a lower-order miracle to avoid a 4-0 series whitewash.
Off-spinner Ashwin, who claimed figures of 2-73 before Australia declared their second innings at 167-5 in the afternoon, denied there was any lack of effort among the beleaguered team.
"We are extremely disappointed but there is no need for embarrassment," said Ashwin.
"It's a sport and at the end of the day we have all competed hard at the ground, it's not like we've chucked it away.
"We've given it everything we had, yes, we've come up short on occasions.
"We have not seized the initiatives and we've not enough reserves in the bank to do it, but at the end of the day we are extremely disappointed."
Different
Former Adelaide Oval groundsman turned Test off-spinner Nathan Lyon picked up three of the wickets to fall so far in India's second innings.
Lyon's haul included Sachin Tendulkar, whose century drought has now stretched to 10 months since he scored his 99th international hundred, and VVS Laxman in what is rumoured to be his final appearance before retirement.
"It's been a different side of the fence enjoying the test match rather than sitting on the roller watching it," said Lyon.
"It's been a fantastic experience playing in front of the home crowd and I've enjoyed every moment of it."
He added: "I felt I bowled pretty well the whole summer.
"It's just good to be able to contribute to what will hopefully be a team victory.
"I can't see it being too bad of a wicket (tomorrow), it's still a good wicket to bat on when the ball's in the middle. There's plenty of rough for the spinners so hopefully I can play a role."
