For those fearful of the future of Test cricket, this extraordinary series which produced the most surreal of finishes must be like manna from heaven.

For 25 days, England and India produced one gripping spectacle after another, setting aside weariness and fatigue and rapidly depleting mental reserves. They overcame the unfamiliar challenge of all five Tests — themselves a bit of a rarity these days — going the distance, digging deep to discover reserves that might have surprised even themselves.

Acts of bravery

It wasn’t just about skills and fortitude. There were stunning acts of bravery — some might call it foolhardiness — from Rishabh Pant, Shoaib Bashir and Chris Woakes that showed how much the format means to the players, how passionate they are about the five-day game. When the protagonists are this committed, it is impossible for the onlookers not to be sucked into the drama and theatre of the format which, contrary to popular opinion, is holding its own despite the pull and charm of its limited-overs siblings.