England Test captain Ben Stokes, who was rested from the fifth Test because of a shoulder injury, expressed his anger and disappointment as his team lost by a mere six runs in a thrilling finish at The Oval.
India overcame England by six runs to tie the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 in what proved to be a dramatic conclusion to the five-match series.
Requiring just 35 runs with four wickets in hand on the last day, England seemed to be on the verge of winning the series. However, a fighting bowling display from India, with Mohammed Siraj claiming five wickets and Prasidh Krishna taking four more, turned the tables and gave the visitors a historic win.
"It's clearly always tough when you can't get involved in the game. Another fought game, down to Day 5, both teams have pumped so much energy and effort into it. Disappointed that we couldn't get across the line. But very proud of my team with what they've put in," Stokes declared during the post-match presentation.
The all-rounder also praised Chris Woakes, who demonstrated huge bravery by coming out to bat with his left arm in a sling, willing to battle till the last ball.
"Disappointed we couldn't get the series win. When it got to the situation it did, there was no question in Woakesy's (Chris Woakes) mind (about batting). He spent yesterday thinking about which way around he was going to bat.". We’ve got guys who’ve gone out there and played with broken fingers and broken feet. It shows how much it means to these players to play for their countries. I’m very proud of what the players have done and I’m sure Shubman is too,” said Stokes.
Acknowledging the fierce competitiveness between the two sides, Stokes praised the spirit and passion that have come to define the India-England Test rivalry.
"India-England is always a big series, you get so much emotion. We are not going to bed crying over what was said (on the field) and neither would the Indian players; it's all part of the passion. Worked incredibly hard to be able to go out there and fulfil my role as an allrounder," he said.
Now turning attention to recovery, Stokes has his sights on regaining fitness before England's much-hyped Ashes tour of Australia later in the year.
Disappointed I had to miss this game. Time to rehab and wait for the big one now (The Ashes). When one of your bowlers gets injured so early in the game, everyone else's role shifts. The heart and the ambition the big boys kept demonstrating in that second innings was huge.".
All we can ask from the lads is that they give it everything out there on the field. Not good when one of your bowlers gets injured, but it was a huge effort from our three quick bowlers," Stokes finished.
