Persistent rain proved to be anti-climactic as India, who had a genuine shot at victory in the series-opener, were forced to share points with England after the entire fifth day's play was wiped out, on Sunday. India was required to score 157 runs on the final day but the rain did not allow a single ball. As part of the new World Test Championship cycle, both India and England log home four points each. Only 250-plus overs out of a maximum 450 were possible due to the inclement weather as India, chasing a target of 209, were well-placed at 52 for 1 in 14 overs at the end of the fourth day. While cricket remains a game of glorious uncertainties, Virat Kohli and his men certainly had a better shot at full 12 points from the match.

It would have taken a special bowling effort from England to stop India from scoring 209 runs despite overcast conditions which would have certainly aided seam and swing bowling. KL Rahul, who scored a dogged 84 in India's first innings, had insisted that the surface was not "unplayable" though scoring runs might have been challenging. However, there are a lot of takeaways for India from the opening Test of the series.

The full spirited match has up-down while many players shone with their performance. However, the top-order batsmen would like to give a better account of themselves in the next Test which will be played at the Lord's from August 12.

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