India vs England, 1st Test - Match ends in draw due to persistent rain; Joe Root MoM

England 183 and 303 (Root 109, Curran 32, Bumrah 5-64) drew with India 278 and 52-1 (Rahul 26, Broad 1-18)

Nottingham Test ends in draw as day-five wash out. (Image: ©BCCI/Twitter)

The India-England 1st Test at Nottingham ended in a draw after play was abandoned on the last day due to persistent rain. The forecast going into the first Test wasn’t a positive one from the word go, with rain interruptions/bad light predicted to be a constant hindrance and it eventually played out that way leading to loss of a session each on day 2 and 3.

But the worst was yet to come as play on day 5 was called off without a single delivery being bowled, washing off the game along with the hopes of the Indian team to secure its first victory of the series.

The match was set up perfectly, with 157 runs to chase on the last day with 9 wickets in hand. India who had got off to a good start, scored 52 crucial runs for the loss of 1 wicket with Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara on 12* runs each. Although the match held plenty of possibilities, there is no doubt that India was in the driver’s seat with hopes to take the first win.

Joe Root (109 & 64) rose to the occasion, so did Jasprit Bumrah (9/110)

Despite the game ending in a draw, it remained a riveting contest between two of the best sides in world cricket, inching for every bit of advantage throughout the four days when play was held. Joe Root was named the Player of the Match for his brilliant 64 in the first innings and an even better counter-attacking 109 in the second. Jasprit Bumrah also put in an exceptional performance taking 9 wickets in the game, including a 5-fer in the second innings.

Both teams awarded 4 points each in WTC 2021-23

This was the first match of the 2021-23 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the draw resulted in both teams being awarded four points each. Although a disappointing end to the game, plenty of cricket is yet to be played in the series and the teams will look to draw lessons before the 2nd Test at Lord’s which is set to begin on August 12. Read More: India vs England 1st Test, Day 4 - Root’s ton revives England

Adaptability has been our strength: Virat Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli, in the post-match interaction, stated that adaptability has been the strength of his team and the combination chosen in this Test will be the template for the series.

“We were expecting rain on days three and four but it chose to come on day five. It would have been enjoyable to play and watch, but it's a shame. This is exactly what we wanted to do: start strong. On day five we knew we had our chances. We certainly felt like we were on top of the game. Getting that lead was crucial, but it's a shame we couldn't finish day five,” he said.

Virat Kohli further said that getting to fifty overnight was important. “We just didn't want to play for survival. Our intent kept us ahead. It's hard work of three odd weeks for our bowlers with the bat. We were talking of a lead of 40-odd but we ended up with 95 and those runs were gold dust,” he said.

“Most likely this will be our template in this series, but adaptability has been our strength. The conditions and the pace on the wicket needs to be seen, but this team will be our template. England and India have always been a blockbuster, and looking forward to the next Test,” he added. Read More: India vs England 1st Test, 2021 - Records Broken

Twitterati reacts

Interruptions in play is always a frustrating time for the avid followers of the game. Post the call on abandonment, #rain has been the trend of the day with some people voicing out their thoughts, sharing memes and also some proposing the inclusion of reserve days.

The second Test of the series between India and England will be played at Lord's in London between August 12-16 starting at 3:30 PM IST.

Read More: India vs England Tests - Virat Kohli with 1742 runs at seventh place overall