Rain denies England victory over India

The English weather proved to be a hurdle to great for England's bowlers yesterday as India held on to a draw in the first test at Lords. England were denied victory as bad light and rain closed in with India nine wickets down.

The forecast rain held off for two sessions as England fought for victory and as the light faded Vaughan was forced to bowl alongside Monty Panesar.

Vaughan's tactic almost worked as Panesar accounted for RP Singh with Sreesanth then surviving a huge appeal for lbw from Panesar.

Although the rain ultimately provided India with their saving grace, a solid batting performance from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was unbeaten on 76, provided the resistance to hold out.

England will feel frustrated after failing to capitalise on a good performance, having arguably deserved the win. Going into the match England were without any of the bowling attack that defeated Australia in the 2005 Ashes but Panesar, Tremlett, Anderson and Sidebottom played admirably.

England came agonisingly close yesterday evening and will go into the second test looking gain an advantage in the series.