Indian captain Virat Kohli was visibly distraught after day five of the first Test against England in Trent Bridge was rained out with India still needing 157 runs to win the match with 9 wickets in hand.
The match officials including the umpires and match referee had no option but to call off the game after the first two sessions were washed out and the rains didn’t show any sign of slowing down or stopping for any play to happen.
This also means that both England and India will take four points each in the second ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.
"We were expecting rain on days three and four but it chose to come on day five. It would have been enjoyable to play and watch, but it's a shame. This is exactly what we wanted to do; start strong. On day five we knew we had our chances," Kohli said after the match.
ENG v IND 2021: First Test match called off due to incessant rains on day 5 in Trent Bridge
"We certainly felt like we were on top of the game. Getting that lead was crucial, but it's a shame we couldn't finish day five. Getting to fifty overnight was important. We just didn't want to play for survival. Our intent kept us ahead," Kohli added.
England was shot out for 183 in their first innings with Jasprit Bumrah taking 4 wickets. India then replied with 278 to take a 95-run first-innings lead thanks to KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja's (56) half-centuries.
Joe Root then brought his team back in the game with a fighting 109 on Day 4 before Jasprit Bumrah's five-wicket haul stopped England at 303 in the second innings.
"We were talking of a lead of 40-odd but we ended up with 95 and those runs were gold dust. Most likely this will be our template in this series, but adaptability has been our strength. The conditions and the pace on the wicket needs to be seen, but this team will be our template. England and India have always been a blockbuster, and looking forward to the next Test," Kohli concluded.
The second match of the five-test series is scheduled at Lord's from Thursday (Aug 12).
(Cricbuzz inputs)
