Adam Lyth and Mark Nelson posted centuries to help the England under-19 side to a draw against their Indian counterparts in the first four-day cricket Test at Canterbury.

Resuming with a 23-run lead with five second innings wickets in hand, Lyth compiled a patient 113 from 324 balls.

Nelson cracked 10 fours and four sixes in his undefeated 104, and put on 130 for the seventh wicket with Lyth to thwart Indian designs for a victory.

Indian bowlers were completely lackluster as England lost only three wickets on the last day declaring at 452 for eight in their second innings.

Steven Mullaney was the first to fall but only after he had shared a stand of 78 with Lyth, working hard for his 31 off 121 balls.

Lyth fell to Bodapati Sumanth and then followed Paul Dixey, after England had crossed the 400 mark.

The hosts, who were blanked by the Indians 0-3 in the one-dayers, will be able to take great heart from the draw as they go into the second and final Test beginning in Taunton on Tuesday.