India, Aug. 5 -- How often does a draw feel like a win? Better than a win, actually? Ask the Indian cricket team.

How about twice in ten days, will be the riposte.

Ten days back in Manchester, with not just a Test but the series on the line, India dug deep to pull off a great escape, batting out 143 overs in the third innings to earn an honourable stalemate and keep the series alive. They were down 1-2 coming into The Oval; they couldn't win the series, but they had a chance to draw it.

And that's precisely what they did on a magnificent Monday. They took the scenic route to the finish line, but what sights they showed us along the way. What thrills they provided. How many nails do they cost us? How many heartbeats did they make us ski...