First Test Match between India & england ends in a draw

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Kathmandu : India survived a scare before managing to draw the first cricket Test against England, who gained the psychological advantage after enjoying the upper-hand for the better part of the five days in Rajkot.

Set a near impossible target of 310 in a minimum 49 overs, India managed to reach 172 for six in 52.3 overs and were never really in the hunt. Skipper Virat Kohli showed patience as he consumed 98 balls for his unbeaten 49 that had six boundaries and Ravindra Jadeja (32 not out) also hit some lusty blows after the sixth wicket had fallen at 132.

England declared their second innings at 260/4 after captain Alastair Cook was dismissed after Lunch. India needed to chase down 310 runs in 49 overs that were remaining in the match. India never opted to chase it down. But England began with some intent. The events that unfolded later in the day saw India in trouble.Alastair Cook scored his 30th Test century with England declaring at 260 for 3 in the second innings. That India had literally no chance of winning was ensured by a 180-run opening stand between Cook (130) and young teenager Haseeb Hameed (82) earlier in the day.

On a fifth day pitch that didn't show considerable signs of wear and tear, the Indian spinners barring a brief spell by Amit Mishra (2/60 in 13 overs), were rendered ineffective by Captain Cook, who batted for nearly five hours to hit 13 fours in 243 balls.