Nottingham: The first Test between England and India ended in a draw after heavy rain played the spoiler on the final day at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Sunday. India, who needed 157 runs to win the match finished their second innings at an overnight score of 52/1 without a ball being bowled on the final day.
Earlier, England were all out for 183 in their first innings. India replied firmly with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja powering the visitors to 278 taking a cushioned 95-run lead despite the dominance of James Anderson (4/54) and Olie Robinson (5/85).
England in their second innings, however, tasted their own music as Jasprit Bumrah (5/64) scattered through their battling line up although skipper Joe Root’s (109) classy 21st century led the pack to take a 208-run lead on Day 4.
The match was a perfect set-up for a theatrical finish but persistent downpour made it difficult to start the play with the cover remained on right from the morning on Sunday. After the tea break, the umpires decided to call the play, thus ending in a draw.
Considering the character of the game for the last four days, both sides would think, they had a chance of going 1-0 up in the five-match series had the weather been a bit kinder to them.
Brief scores: England 183 & 303 vs India 278 & 52/1. Match Drawn
