Nottingham, Aug 8: Persistent rain proved to be anti-climactic as India, who had a realistic shot at victory in the series-opener, were forced to share points with England after entire fifth day’s play was washed out, here on Sunday.
India needed to score 157 runs on the final day but the rain did not allow a single ball. As part of the new World Test Championship cycle, both India and England log home four points each.
Only 250 plus overs out of a maximum 450 were possible due to the inclement weather as India, chasing a target of 209, were well-placed at 52 for 1 in 14 overs at the end of fourth day.
While cricket remains a game of glorious uncertainties, Virat Kohli and his men certainly had a better shot at full 12 points from the match. It would have taken a special bowling effort from England to stop India from scoring 209 runs despite overcast conditions which would have certainly aided seam and swing bowling.
KL Rahul, who scored a dogged 84 in India’s first innings, had insisted that the surface was not “unplayable” though scoring runs might have been challenging. However there are a lot of takeaways for India from the opening Test of the series.
The Indian team in recent times, save the series in 2007 and the one in 2014, have always lost the opening Test in England and this was a welcome change in that respect.
The biggest positive for India would be getting the ‘Test batsman’ KL Rahul back, which going forward should benefit the visitors. It was here in England back in 2018 that Rahul’s poor form finally led to his ouster from the Test side.
However, in this match Rahul looked assured for the better part.
If Rahul’s performance was the brightest spot, one can’t deny the contribution of Jasprit Bumrah, who is again back in his element with a nine wicket haul. Bumrah did what he does best, bowling fuller length rather than back of length, which allowed lateral movement. (PTI)
