Momentum is with us, not Australia: Pujara

India's No.1 ranked Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujuara has rejected Australia captain Steve Smith's claims that the tourists have the momentum heading into the series decider in Dharamsala.

After Australia escaped the third Test in Ranchi with a draw by batting out the final day, Smith was confident his charges have the impetus ahead of the fourth Test starting Saturday. 

"If there's anything called momentum in cricket it's probably with us at the moment," Smith said on Monday.

"India coming here today would have expected to bowl us out. I'm sure they're hurting a little bit."

The draw in Ranchi kept the series ledger tied at 1-all but Pujara says it was India, who were chasing an innings-victory on the final day at JSCA Stadium, that finished the third Test in a stronger position.

Quick Single: Cummins given go-ahead for decider

"They scored 450 and we were able to score more than 600," Pujara said on Thursday. 

"At one stage they were four down at lunch … but overall they were six down (at stumps). 

"I definitely think we had the upper hand in the last game. 

"Although we didn't win the game we only had to win once and they had to bat twice. 

"That credit goes to the bowlers."

While the tug of war between the two sides will be decided at the foot of the Himalayas in picturesque Dharamasla, former Australia captain Steve Waugh believes all the pressure is on the hosts.

"I think a lot of pressure is on the Indian side," Waugh said during a live chat on his official Facebook page.

"They've been expected to win this series. 

Quick Single: Shades of Waugh, Ponting in Kohli

"They now come into the last Test match with the possibility of losing it. 

"For Australia's it's about enjoying it, working together and not getting too far."

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood echoed the Test legend's comments when he spoke to reporters on Thursday.

"Before we came over (India) were expected to win four-nil" he said.

"The pressure is still firmly on them being one-all going into this decider and all the pressure is on them."

The tension during the series has been palpable due to fiery clashes on and off the field with both sides trading verbal barbs and taunts. 

The Qantas Tour of India is Hazlewood's first Test campaign to the subcontinent and he says it's "right up there" as the most intense series he's been a part of.

Quick Single: Iyer called in as Kohli cover

"Ashes and World Cups and things like this, but playing against India in India and being 1-all going into a decider is pretty special and this next week is a pretty exciting time," Hazlewood said.

"We're really looking forward to it and hopefully we come out on top."

Test Squads

India (for fourth Test): Virat Kohli (c), Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandaran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Karun Nair, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav Mukund, Mohammed Shami.

Australia: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Stephen O'Keefe, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade

Australia's schedule in India

Feb 23-27, First Test, Pune – Australia won by 333 runs.

Mar 4-8, Second Test, Bengaluru – India won by 75 runs.

Mar 16-20, Third Test, Ranchi – match drawn.

Mar 25-29, Fourth Test, Dharamsala