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.
What began as a herculean effort for a hard-fought draw in Manchester threatened to boil over in its final moments, as Ben Stokes’ offer to settle for a draw with 15 overs remaining in the day’s play was first met with a polite refusal, and then a stormy fallout. With India well ahead on 386/4 after 138 overs and a lead of 75, the match was headed towards an inevitable draw. But the Indian camp had other ideas.
A superb century from Ben Duckett helped steer England to a sensational five-wicket win in the first Test against India after a thrilling final day, the hosts reaching a target of 371 – the 10th highest successful run chase in Test history.
