Premier League football club Manchester United can be envied for their glamour and success. But it's in a less obvious way that they can show your cricket team a lesson.

Over the years United seem to have become masters of snapping a draw from defeat: Playing badly and not losing.

It's a lesson that England seem to have taken to heart, saving three Tests in the equivalent of a last minute equaliser by blocking out for a draw.

On the surface you could argue luck or negativity were the important factors.

What these situations really have in common is the refusal to lose, even when winning is not an option and that is one of the signs of a team with a strong character.

Really good teams don't find themselves in losing situations often. But like Manchester United, you can equalise in the last minute by saving the draw.

Cutting your losses: When to stop trying to win

Many will argue that if you are playing you should always be trying to win. Even the most hopeless situation can be turned around. Sport is about winning they will argue. There is no joy in playing simply to prevent the opposition from succeeding.

More realistically, there could be points at stake in a league situation. You have to be pragmatic. We have all been in games where we know we can't win. The opposition sets a massive target and with each wicket that falls, the chances become increasingly fragile.

I have been on both sides in that situation. I would like to think the teams I play in leave it as late as possible to switch from 'winning' mode to 'saving' mode. It is depressing when the opposition openers come out looking to block. That's not the way to approach it.

(Although I would argue an opposition so hell bent on defence from ball one have been forced to do so by a bad declaration)

It's hard to make any hard and fast rules but a good rule of thumb is the last 20 overs. An even game is usual when 80 runs are needed with 4 wickets in hand.

Conditions will alter the numbers: A couple of well set batsman or a good wicket can lead to more runs. My general cut off point would be about there.

Once you have decided to try and save the game the challenge changes.

It's easy to fall into a negative mentality. You stop looking at the score and with one eye on the wicket column you fix your gaze on 'overs remaining'. You start hoping the batsmen don't get out.

It's far better to play the percentage game: Look to leave balls not on the stumps, defend the straight ones and score from bad balls.

That's different from the idea of playing your 'natural game'; which for many players is an excuse for impatience and lack of discipline. All batsmen in the team should know how to play out the overs through sensible cricket.

A hard fought draw shows a team has grit. Does your side have the ability to cut your losses and save matches?