The final Under 19 Test petered out into a draw at Sophia Gardens as England completed a 2-0 series victory against Bangladesh.
There was little chance of a positive result on the fourth day after heavy rain had completely washed out the second day and delayed the start on the third. Bangladesh established a 161-run lead in the first innings after posting 346 but England had little trouble in securing the draw and reached 34 for one at the close of play.
The tourists resumed on 201 for five and made good progress as overnight batsmen Nazimuddin and Nadif Chowdhury completed a century partnership. Nazimuddin reached his half-century and the pair moved the total on to 275 before Chowdhury threw his wicket away when he was run out for 37.
Nazimuddin was the seventh wicket to fall 11 runs later for 65 when he was bowled by Ravinder Bopara, who finished with impressive figures of 3-33 from 13 overs. New batsman Rubaiyat Huq lasted just three balls and failed to get off the mark before Alastair Cook claimed his third catch of the innings to give Simon Cusden his fourth wicket.
England struggled to polish off the tailenders though and Mushfiqur Rahim produced stubborn resistance. He shared a 40-run partnership with Ashim Chowdhury for the ninth wicket, with Chowdhury lasting 46 balls for his eight until he was run out. Last man Shahadat Hussain made 10 but was then bowled by Moeen Ali, leaving Rahim unbeaten on 36.
England batted for just 12 overs and Joe Denly was the only wicket to fall when he was trapped lbw by Huq for seven. Michael Munday was promoted up the order from number 11 to open and finished unbeaten on 13, with Ali making six not out.
England coach Andy Pick was satisfied with the series victory but admitted there is room for improvement as they prepare for the one-day series which starts at Arundel on Tuesday.
He said: “It was never going to go anywhere on the final day but Simon Cusden did really well. He bowled his heart out and probably deserved a five-wicket haul.
“The results have been satisfying and we’ve just done enough when we’ve needed to but our performances have been a bit disappointing.
“We’ve shown glimpses of what we can do but our players are more experienced than Bangladesh and it’s disappointing that that gap hasn’t been more evident at times.
“We’ve now got to switch our minds to one-day mode, which I think will suit Bangladesh a bit more because they like to play their shots.
“I’ve been impressed with their performances but not surprised as they beat Australia in the World Cup. They’ve got some good players, although I think they’re batting is stronger than their bowling, and we’ll be wary of them in the one-day games.“
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