Players are 'bitterly disappointed' with their failure to win the Test series against India, according to England captain Ben Stokes. Chris Woakes bravely came out to bat one-handed, but England succumbed by six runs at The Oval on Monday.
However, when Mohammed Siraj bowled Gus Atkinson, the tourists achieved the outcome they desired, and India deserved a draw.
Talking to the BBC, Stokes praised England's performance throughout the course of the five Test matches, but he also acknowledged that they were disappointed that they didn't win.
"It's been an incredible series, all five games going down to day five, so much has been put into this series from both teams," stated the captain of England, who was unable to play because of an injury.
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"The commitment and energy has been outstanding. Stood here now, we're bitterly disappointed we couldn't get the series win but myself being a massive advocate of the game of Test cricket, this series has been an unbelievable advert for it across the world. All the doubters saying it's dying a death, this series has said the opposite,” Stokes said.
"Credit both teams. The amount of effort from both teams to end up here 2-2 is incredible. Losing Woakesy early on in the game changed the whole responsibility on the bowlers in particular, the roles they were selected for. The heart and passion and everything that was shown, especially in our second bowling innings, I thought was outstanding,” Stokes added.
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"But you can look back on a Test match that goes five days and pick out loads of moments as to why [we lost]. For us, to came out here to try and chase that total down in the way that we did was outstanding. That never say die, never back down attitude we've installed in the group nearly paid off for us. We couldn't quite get over the line," Stokes said.
Like Stokes, Brendon McCullum, the England coach, complimented 'a hell of a series' and acknowledged that the camp was upset after having to accept a draw.
"Not just an incredible hour - right throughout this Test match, it has been one of the all-time best Test matches," McCullum stated.
"We turned up today with high hopes, but Mohammed Siraj and the passion of the Indian boys was too strong and ultimately they deserve to win this Test match. We had our chances we will look back on our dropped catches and the position we were in with the bat. You have to tip your caps sometimes, a guy playing in his fifth Test match bowling 30 overs, and 90mph to get the job done - fair play,” McCullum added.
"You never expect things to go according to plan. I thought we put ourselves in a position with some wonderful bravery from Harry Brook and Joe Root. We were confident we could chase this down on a wicket which was getting better. We are disappointed, but at the same time we have had a hell of a series. Both teams have been part of the more memorable series that I can remember," McCullum said.
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