Captain Virat Kohli plays anchor as India draw first test with England
The hosts finish on 172-6 having been set 310 runs off a minimum 49 overs on the fifth and last day at Saurashtra Cricket Association ground
Captain Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 49 under pressure before India pulled off a tense draw on the final day of the first test against England in Rajkot on Sunday.
The tourists had declared their second innings at 260-3 shortly after lunch, leaving the home side to chase 310 runs off a minimum 49 overs on the fifth and last day.
But India were soon fighting for survival after losing wickets in a clutch on a wearing track at the Saurashtra Cricket Association ground, which was hosting its first test ever.
India finished on 172-6 before relieved home fans with local hero Ravindra Jadeja remaining not out on 32.
“It was a good opportunity to find out new things about your game. We couldn’t get a better chance to practice other aspects of your game [towards the end],” Kohli told ESPN Cricinfo.
“Important to convince yourself you can negotiate what’s thrown at you. We could have been much better on days one and two. We dropped five catches.