In these days of instant cricket, the match ending in a tie or draw is an improbable proposition. But after India-,England test match ended in a draw at Manchester, the result was almost a victory for India.
Trailing 2-1 in a five test series, India was on the verge of defeat in this match. For most of the time in the five days, England had India on the backfoot nay with their back to the wall.
But India batted triumphantly for 143 overs not letting the match slip through its grasp. Even as England scented victory, it eluded the hosts.
The drawn test was a reminder of sorts to the afficianidos of cricket. For the progress of match helped it to rise above strike rates and recalled the art of defending which most batsman seems to have forgotten.
It was a hard fought match. Both the teams fought it out for the full five days.
It does not matter that honours were shared. The crowd never had a dull moment.
Skill, patience and composure marked the batting of Shubman Gill, K L Rahul, Washington Sunder and Ravinder Jadeja. If India wins the Oval test next week, the doggedness of Manchester will be one of the reasons behind it.Â
A five match test series leaves players no place to hide. It leaves someone like Shubman Gill start the series like a run machine, lose his bearings midway and regain his form thereafter.
It shows Ben Stokes leading his side by example. He pushed his body through a pain barrier to shine with the bat and the ball.
But Stokes blotted his copybook with a churlish reaction. But India is ready to take on England next week.
The touring side is on a high. The draw snatched from the jaws of defeat feels like a win.
