India v England: Strong first Test gives England platform, says Zafar Ansari

England left Rajkot for Vizag, where the second Test of five will get under way tomorrow morning, having piled the pressure on their hosts on the final day, which India finished hanging on against the visiting spinners on 172-6.

England’s efforts in the series opener defied the predictions of many, who had forecast a 5-0 victory for India.

Ansari made his debut in last month’s shock defeat against Bangladesh in Dhaka, but appears set to be retained again after being part of a performance in Rajkot which coach Trevor Bayliss described as England’s best under his tenure over the past 18 months.

The all-rounder, deployed principally here for his ability with the ball as part of a three-man spin attack, is not surprised England have proved a match for their hosts so far – and is hoping they can remain so.

“The talk going into the series was of India dominating – and obviously it’s just one Test match, but I think we’ve put down a marker at least,” he said.

“We went into this series feeling fairly confident, at ease with what was ahead of us. That’s continued, and I think the game in Rajkot just reiterated that.

“Four more Test matches are going to be hard work, but we just want to continue [what we’ve started].

“That last game proved we have the skills to win games out here.

“I think as long as we keep it simple ... we’ll be all right.”

At 24, the Surrey spinner is a relative elder statesman compared with teenage opener Haseeb Hameed, who made such a fine start with his second-innings 82 on debut.