Ben Stokes’ Reaction to England’s Narrow Defeat

England Test captain Ben Stokes expressed his disappointment following England’s narrow six-run defeat to India at The Oval, which resulted in a 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. Despite missing the final Test due to a shoulder injury, Stokes was visibly moved by the outcome, acknowledging the hard-fought nature of the match that went down to the wire on Day 5. England required just 35 more runs with four wickets in hand, but India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, mounted a formidable comeback. Siraj’s five-wicket haul and Krishna’s four wickets were pivotal in securing India’s victory.

Pride in Team’s Resilience and Woakes’ Courage

Stokes praised his team’s resilience and highlighted Chris Woakes’ bravery for batting with his left arm in a sling. He commended Woakes and other players who played through injuries, emphasizing their dedication to representing their country. “Disappointed we couldn’t get the series win,” Stokes remarked, adding that Woakes had been contemplating his batting strategy despite his injury.

Intensity of India-England Rivalry

Reflecting on the series’ intensity, Stokes noted the emotional investment from both teams. He appreciated the passion displayed on the field and dismissed any notion of lingering animosity from heated exchanges during the matches. “India-England is always a big series,” he said, underscoring the competitive spirit shared by both sides.

Looking Ahead to The Ashes

As he recovers from his shoulder injury, Stokes is setting his sights on the upcoming Ashes series against Australia. He acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries during the India series but praised his teammates for their determination and effort. “All we ask from the guys is for them to leave everything out on the field,” Stokes concluded, expressing confidence in his team’s readiness for future challenges.