It was no strange situation for India, heading into this final day's play in Birmingham. In fact, it was playing right into the theme of the series.

Right through the five Tests, there's not been a fifth day where India have set foot as favourites. The one time they towed that line at Trent Bridge, needing a further 157 runs with nine wickets in hand, it rained all day. They didn't even make it that far at Headingley. And at Lord's and Oval, where they recorded their twin victories, they had their backs up against the wall before a special performance or two earned them a win deep into the final session.

Which is where this