England vs India 2021: Rain Spoils The Intriguing Final Day As Both Sides Share Four Points Each To Kick Off The Second Cycle Of The World Test Championship

The first Test between England and India in Nottingham ended in a tame draw as no play was possible on day five due to persistent rains. With the match tantalisingly poised, rains had the last say, stealing away both sides’ opportunity to win. As a result, England and India will take four points each to begin the new cycle of the World Test Championship.

Joe Root stood tall on day one after England chose to bat on day one as the hosts managed only 183 in the first innings. Root was the sole half-centurion and his partnership of 74 was the only recognized one in the day. India’s bowling attack, consisting of four seamers, was on point from the first delivery, hardly letting the batsmen out of their leash.

While Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur also made crucial strikes. England hit back after India’s 97-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. James Anderson brought them back in the game by removing Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli in consecutive balls shortly after lunch.

Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and tailenders shine for India:

With the tourists struggling at 145-5, Ravindra Jadeja and Rahul joined hands to stitch a 60-run stand. KL Rahul missed out on a well-deserving hundred, perishing for 84, but Jadeja continued to plunder the runs.

Once Jadeja went back for 56, India’s tail wagged to swell the lead to 95, with Ollie Robinson claiming a fifer. Rory Burns was the first to go in England’s second innings, with Zak Crawley following him soon. However, it was once again time for their skipper to stand up and played a defining knock.

Joe Root and Jasprit Bumrah shine in the second innings:

Dom Sibley and Joe Root took full leverage of the pitch easing up and India’s inconsistent lines by stitching a 92-run stand. The former edged it to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps, perishing for a 121-ball 28. The likes of Jos Buttler, Dan Lawrence, and Jonny Bairstow started promisingly; however, they could not carry on.

After Root’s 109 off 172 deliveries, Sam Curran and Ollie Robinson added some precious runs, setting a target of 209 for India. Bumrah ended the match with nine wickets, including the key wicket of Root in the second innings. The visiting side started positively as KL Rahul took every opportunity to put away the ball to the boundary. But he was the first one to depart, leaving India with 157 runs to win on the final day.

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