Axar delighted as runs with the bat continue to flow

India v Australia scorecard

The all-rounder played a handy role with the bat, scoring 79 off 113 deliveries, lending great support to Virat Kohli. The pair put on a partnership of 162, which helped India to 571, taking a handy lead of 91 runs.

Axar has been in sizzling touch with the bat throughout the series, scoring 264 runs in five innings with an average of 88 and three half-centuries to his name.

Kohli breaks Test century drought in Ahmedabad

Speaking at the post-match conference, Axar elaborated on his growing confidence with the bat, stating, "I am feeling good to have contributed with the bat. I've had the confidence to go after ones that I can hit, the talk in the first Test is what I'm following and I'm gaining a bit of information about my ability with the bat."

In Ahmedabad, Axar adopted an aggressive role with the bat after getting his eye in. He played some glorious strokes, depositing four maximums in the stands. Quipped on whether he was given particular instructions to up the ante, Axar replied in negative.

"I had no set role. Just wanted to make as many runs as possible, bat along with the ball not doing a lot," the 29-year old added.

On this pitch, Axar believed that conditions would get easier for the batters once they settled in. "Once you’re set, it’s easier to bat, the odd ball is turning and staying low, and it’s slightly difficult when you’re new to the crease, but once you adjust, it’s still easy to bat on this wicket."

India will now aim to go on the attack on the final day of the fourth Test, with Australia's score at 3/0 in the second innings, with the visitors trailing by 88 runs.