Final day washout sees First Test between England and India end in a draw

The opening Test of this five-match series was beautifully poised heading into the final day. India, needing 157 more runs, were favourites, but England, chasing nine wickets, were far from out of it.

Persistent rain – the sort that had been promised on the fourth day but never came – in intervened, and the match was finally abandoned shortly before 4pm.

There was little prospect of the outfield being cleared up in time to play the number of overs required for a positive result on either side.

England should view this as an escape. They were behind the game from day one, when only captain Joe Root stood up as they were bowled out for 183.

India racked up a first innings lead of 95, which would have made England’s fragile batting unit very nervous. Root, though, produced a sensational century, and received support from various members of his middle order, setting a target of 209 for India to win.

On the fourth evening, England took just one wicket, leaving India in the box seat – even though they required a bigger chase than they have ever managed in England.

Alas the rain got in the way. The series continues at Lord’s on Thursday.