Drawn

Today my "commute" to Old Trafford was different, because I had to check out of my accommodation, and, rather than my regular 08:06, the first train to Manchester was not until after 10:00. It was absolutely packed, due to people going to the cricket, and other major events - and it was only four coaches! Although it was very warm, the atmosphere was good-natured. Entertainment was provided by the Australian who'd managed to get on with his bike and was off to be Spiderman in Southport for three hours.

In Manchester, I dropped my case off at a convenience store in Piccadilly Gardens - a booking I'd made online using the cheap and efficient Radical Storage. I got to the ground just before the first Indian batsman was dismissed, and just before lunch a second wicket went down. But that was it for the day, as the winner was ultimately the pitch. It really was too slow to score fast or threaten established batsmen, and today demonstrated that the best performance of the match was England's in restricting India to 358 in their first innings. 

The last hour of play was slightly farcical, as England stopped trying to win, and used part-time bowlers, particularly when India refused to agree a draw in order to enable their two batsmen to complete hundreds. Without the competitive tension, the crowd relaxed, and everyone started to have fun - sending Mexican waves around the ground, and joining in the chants for a popular Indian batsmen. 

After the game ended, I walked back to the centre of Manchester, digesting my experience over the five days. It was interesting, too, as I passed through a very smart Muslim area, passing a large and enticing fruit and vegetable shop and at least one church that is now a mosque. There was also a random Polish shop! 

After collecting my case, I bought fish and chips on the approach to Piccadilly Station, eating them whilst watching the women's Euros penalty shootout. I hope England deserved to win on the 120 minutes of open play. Now I'm in the Piccadilly Tap, enjoying a pint of "fruity IPA", before taking the train to Edinburgh.