England vs India 2018: 5 best partnerships of the Test series

The recently concluded 5-test series between India and England was a treat to all the test cricket fans. Albeit England won four tests to India's one, it was a well-fought one and the margins were too small.

Sam Curran was awarded England's Man of the Series trophy for his 272 runs in 7 innings and 11 wickets. Indian skipper Virat Kohli was awarded India's Man of the Series trophy for his 593 runs in 10 innings at a staggering average of 59.30.

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#5 159, Kohli-Rahane, 3rd Test, Nottingham

Kohli and Rahane's partnership took India to a famous win

After losing the first two tests, India came into the third test with series on the line and chose to bat first, winning the toss. The visitors lost their top three batsmen quickly and were left reeling at 82-3.

The skipper then built a much-needed partnership with Rahane to take India to a decent total of 329 all-out. Kohli scored 97 and missed out on a well-deserved century.

This was the second instance that the skipper got out in the nineties in tests. Rahane scored 81 off 132 with 12 fours.

In reply, England got out for just 161 runs, with Pandya picking up five wickets. Skipper Kohli did not miss out on a century in the second innings and gave the hosts, a target of 521. The hosts could only score 317 all-out and India won by a huge margin of 203 runs.

Kohli was adjudged the Man of the Match for his 200 runs in the match. With this win, India's hopes of staying in the series remained alive.

#4 169, Buttler-Stokes, 3rd Test, Nottingham

Buttler and Stokes smashed Indian Bowlers all-around the park

Though the hosts lost the third test, they had their moments. Chasing 521, the duo of Buttler and Stokes came alive to stitch a brilliant 169-run partnership for the 5th wicket, after losing four early wickets.

Buttler scored 106 off 176, accompanied by 21 fours. This was his maiden century in test cricket. Stokes scored a decent half-century and finished with 62 off 187 balls.

At one point in time, it looked like England was going to make a comeback in the game but the tail could not do much once Buttler got out and lost the game.

Though the hosts did not have much to cherish in this game, this partnership definitely scared India, who were desperate for a win.

#3 189, Bairstow-Woakes, 2nd Test, Lord's

Bairstow and Woakes' partnership took the game away from India

After losing the first test in a very closely-fought game, India was aiming to make a comeback in the series. The hosts won the toss and chose to bowl first, dismissing the visitors for just 107 runs.

In return, Bairstow and Woakes stitched 189-run partnership to give England a huge first-innings lead of 289 runs. The wicket-keeper finished with 93 off 144 along with 12 fours and Woakes finished with 137 off 177 with 21 fours.

India were bundled out for just 130 runs in the second innings, with Anderson and Broad picking up four wickets each. England won the game by an innings and 159 runs. Woakes was presented the Man of the Match award.

#2 204, Pant-Rahul, 5th Test, Kennington Oval

Pant scored a century and KL Rahul came back to form in the final test

After already surrendering the series, India had nothing to lose and was ready to take risks. With Cook and Root's terrific centuries in the second innings, India was given a target of 464. The hosts struck early and India was reduced to 2-3.

Pant and Rahul built a key 204-run partnership and India was back in the game. Pant scored his maiden test-century, only in his third test match.

He finished with 114, accompanied by 15 fours and four sixes. Rahul smashed his first century of this tour and scored 149 with 20 fours and a six.

However, after losing Pant and Rahul in quick successions, India could not reach the target and ended the tour with a loss.

#1 259, Cook-Root, 5th Test, Kennington Oval

The duo of Cook and Root saved England and helped them beat India

In the final test of the series which was also the final test match of the career for batting legend Alastair Cook, Root won the toss and chose to bat first.

The hosts went on to post 332 all-out, on the back of Cook's 71 and Buttler's 89.

In return, India scored 292, with only Jadeja playing a decent knock, scoring 86. With 40 runs first-innings lead, the duo of Cook and Root saved England after losing two early wickets. They went on to add 259 for the third wicket.

Cook scored a brilliant century in his final innings, 147 and Root scored 125. Root tried to hit a six and got out in Vihari's bowling.

England went on to win the game by 118 runs. Alastair Cook was awarded the Man of the Match award for a half-century and a century in his final game.