It was a close thing, but the dark skies closed in just in time for India at Lords. With England requiring one wicket, which looked quite likely with Monty bowling some absolute beauties, the drizzle came and the game was halted. Before play started on the fifth day it looked like it was going to be a cracker of a day, and those that went to see were lucky they daw as much play as they did.

India were always going to have to try and hold on, and it looked like it was going to happen with Kartik and Dhoni each making half centuries. However, England kept battling away and wickets started to fall and the tail was exposed. There was an almighty lbw shout in Monty’s penultimate over which looked like it should have been given, but games are won and lost on more than one decision. England were unlucky – they bowled well as a unit, despite my worries as soon as I heard the news Tremlett was in the side.

So we go to the next test which starts at Trent Bridge on Friday – and the England team might have a tough decision to make if Hoggard is fit to return to the team. But we will feel a lot more confident after the showing here, and if we can stop losing our lower order wickets quite so quickly we will be in good shape!