Ravichandran Ashwin fails fitness test, to miss fourth test at Sydney

With a 2-1 lead, India need only draw the test at the Sydney Cricket Ground to secure a first series triumph in Australia

India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come up short in his race to be fit for the fourth and final test against Australia, a team spokesman said on the eve of the match on Wednesday.

Ashwin, India's top spinner, took six for 149 in the opening victory in Adelaide but was forced to sit out the second test defeat in Perth and India's win in Melbourne because of a side strain.

"R Ashwin is not 100 percent fit and won't be available for selection," the spokesman told reporters.

With a 2-1 lead, India need only draw the test at the Sydney Cricket Ground --