‘Things can still get interesting if we get them out early’ – Ajinkya Rahane

Jimmy Anderson’s virtuoso 5/20 troubled every Indian batsman, and the 38-ball 29 scored by Ravichandran Ashwin was the highest a visiting batsman managed.

However, in conditions almost perfect for swing bowling, Rahane held out hope that India could bowl England out early and get themselves back into the contest.

“You never know, the match can still be interesting if we get them out early and bat well in the second innings,” he said after play on Friday, 10 August, with the opening day of the fixture fully washed out.

“We need to believe. Belief is important. There’s a long way to go in this match. You never know, the series can still be 1-1 at the end of this match.”

Rahane, who scored a 44-ball 18, admitted the conditions made batting a difficult prospect, but credited Anderson for never letting up on the pressure. "He didn't bowl one short ball," said Rahane. "He was just bowling there and there – a 4-5m length.

“And that is really crucial on this wicket. If you're bowling that length, you got to bowl consistently, then as a batsman you have to leave the ball, or you've got to back your methods consistently.

“If you play three maiden overs, you've got to be ready to play another three maiden overs after that. It's all about patience in these conditions and trusting your methods and backing your ability.”

Rahane added that the stop-start nature of the day didn’t help matters, with the players having to rush back to their dressing rooms twice due to rain interruptions. “It’s not easy when it’s start-stop but there are no excuses at the highest level,” he said. “England bowled well. They used the conditions really well. I’d like to give credit to them.”