The weather came to India's rescue as they drew the first Test at Lord's here on Monday with England just a wicket away from going 1-0 up in the three-match series.
Bad light, which forced an early tea, with India, at 282 for nine, still 98 runs shy of their imposing victory target of 380, initially gave the tourists a dramatic reprieve.
The umpires had hoped to restart the match at 4:40pm, but just as the covers were being removed rain fell and ended play.
PHOTO: AFP
India captain Rahul Dravid admitted that outside elements had saved the day for his side.
"It was very stressful out there and we just got out of jail," said Dravid, who was victim of a doubtful decision in the second innings. I think it was a good effort by the boys but I truly think we got saved by the weather today [Monday]."
Dravid said that India had been chasing the match right from the start.
"They [England] were on the front foot and we didn't start well losing the toss and giving away 75 runs in first 15 overs and that pushed us back," he said.
"We fought hard and stayed in touch with them and at various stages in the game I think our seamers got us back in it but we stayed in touch but we were lucky to get away with it in the end."
England captain Michael Vaughan was philosophical in his usual understated way about the outcome.
"That's how it goes with English weather," Vaughan said. "We're really pleased though, right from that first morning we batted well and the young guys bowled well."
"We had the conditions that helped our style of bowling and we can take a lot of positives from the game," he said. "We have three days now to recuperate both in body and mind and go out at Trent Bridge and do it all again."
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