Kohli, Jadeja dig in as India earn hard-fought draw against England in Rajkot

Rajkot (Gujarat) [India], Nov.13 (ANI): Skipper Virat Kohli and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja hung in as the opening Test between India and England ended on an exciting note, with the hosts earning a hard-fought draw on the final day at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Sunday. Resuming at an overnight score of 114-0, skipper Alastair Cook (130) and his new opening partner Haseeb Hameed (82) produced a brilliant batting performance as the duo stitched a strong 180-run stand to put their side in a strong position before declaring their second innings at 260 for three. After the declaration, the match appeared to be a tame draw before the England bowlers bowled brilliantly to bring the game into their hands. Chasing a target of 310 runs to win, India lost opener Gautam Gambhir for a duck off Chris Woakes' delivery. Opener Murali Vijay then joined forces with Cheteshwar Pujara to steady the hosts' innings, but they too got dismissed cheaply for 31 and 18 runs respectively. All-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin (32), Ajinkya Rahane (one) and Wriddhiman Saha (nine) also walked off the field with quick dismissals. However, Kohli (unbeaten at 49) and Jadeja (unbeaten at 32) defended stoutly and saved the blushes for India. The five-match series is currently levelled at 1-1. The two sides will play their second match from November 17 in Visakhapatnam. (ANI)