By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent

Listen to Agnew's close of play

A sodden Oval outfield was a rotten final memory of a wonderful series between England and India, but at least we can console ourselves that the heavy rain probably did not affect the outcome of the match.

The only likely way the Test could have reached a positive outcome was if the Indians had managed to skittle the English batsmen on the final morning.

Rahul Dravid was India's Man of the Series

But the manner in which Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan - England's man of the series - handled the threat of Harbhajan and Kumble in their opening stand of 114 on Sunday evening suggested that the Indian bowlers would not be able to create the neccessary flurry of wickets.

A 1-1 tie is probably the most accurate assessment of the series.

India fell for England's defensive tactics in the first Test at Lord's, and began their fight-back at Trent Bridge.

Headingley was where they surprised everyone by out-bowling England in conditions that were tailor-made for the home attack, and there they earned a victory that Sourav Ganguly lists as one of his most memorable.

While we all looked forward to the decider with relish, maybe we overlooked the fact that the odds were simply too high for the players from either team, and that a draw was always likely.

Looking forward

Michael Vaughan: The Aussies lie in wait

England now look ahead to the Ashes, and their squad will be announced at 11 o'clock on Tuesday morning.

I do not anticipate many surprises - unless the selectors decide not to be wooed by Graham Thorpe's apparent change of heart.

He has worked hard to convince everyone that he will see out the tour, and will not be distracted by the protracted divorce proceedings that have created such a problem for him over the last 12 months.

I think the selectors will take him: he is England's best batsman, and he averages 45 against Australia. It will be a tough enough challenge without choosing to leave him behind.

Similarly, I expect Darren Gough to be named, subject to proving his fitness before the team departs in mid-October, and the only real debating point is whether they decide to take both young fast bowlers, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones, or just one.