'2-2 is probably fair' - Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes, the England captain, praised the quality of cricket on display during the 2-2 series draw with India, describing it as one of the most compelling Test series he has been part of, despite his disappointment at missing out on a series victory. Speaking after India's dramatic six-run victory in the fifth Test at The Oval, Stokes acknowledged the fairness of the drawn series result although he expressed his frustration at England's inability to get over the line in a tight finish.

"I think the series as a whole, even before this game, it was just all four games going to five days, this one again, and it's been toe-to-toe for 25 days, two very good teams who have thrown everything at each other, left nothing out there, so I guess from a cricket fan's point of view, 2-2 is probably fair, obviously we're disappointed now to have not got the result that we wanted to give us a series win, so there's obviously that disappointment, a little bit of frustration there as well from everyone."

The England skipper, who missed the final Test due to a shoulder injury, was quick to highlight the series' significance for the longer format of the game. "But yeah, I think as a massive advocate of this format and Test Cricket as a whole, this has certainly been one of those series that can hopefully keep that narrative around Test Cricket is dying, so yeah, disappointed from obviously a playing point of view, but as an advocate of the game, the series has been fantastic to be part of."

Stokes had special praise for Harry Brook's century that gave England hope of chasing down their target of 374. Brook (111) shared a 195-run fourth wcket stand with Joe Root (105) as they took England past 300 on Day 4, putting the hosts in firm control. However, India staged a superb comeback, leaving England at 339/6 at Stumps as rain led an early close with the hosts needing 35 on the final day. Both teams traded blows until the final moments, with India eventually emerging victorious.

Speaking about the chase and Brook's knock, Stokes said: "Obviously 380 (374) was a very large total to try and chase down, but as the game got deeper and deeper, the way that the wicket was playing completely changed from Day 1 and Day 2, so we knew that if any of our lads were to get in, then that was going to give us a good chance. Harry got us into that position by playing in a particular way, putting the Indian bowlers under immense pressure to take them away from being able to consistently bowl the areas that they wanted to bowl.

Brook's dismissal, stepping out to Akash Deep in an attempt to hit over cover, resulted in his dismissal and also him losing the bat. There was some criticism in the manner he got out but Stokes came to his defence. "I'm sure everyone was applauding him when he brought up his 100 in the way that he did. Some of the shots he played were unbelievable, so yeah, the dismissal and the way that he got out was a shot that we've seen a lot of him do in that innings, which I'm sure was getting a lot of praise."

The England captain lauded the bravery of Chris Woakes, who walked out to bat at No.11 despite carrying a shoulder injury, calling it a reflection of the dedication and grit shown by players on both sides throughout the series.

"Unbelievable, but it was never going to be a question for him to go out there. Obviously, he's in a lot of discomfort, even running between the wickets there. We've had guys go out, Rishabh [Pant] going out and batting with a broken foot. We've had Bash [Shoaib Bashir] going out there bowling and batting and fielding with a broken finger. Then we've had Chris go out there today and try and get his team over the line with a quite recently dislocated shoulder. Again, that just goes back to how much energy and effort has been put into the series by both teams."

Stokes also acknowledged the performance of Mohammed Siraj, whose consistent pressure throughout the series earned the England captain's admiration. "I've always had great respect and admiration for Mohammed Siraj as a competitor. He just keeps coming and coming. You know that he's always going to be in the fight with you. Again, just another example of what it means. This game in particular just kept going and going. Oppositions and all that kind of stuff. I've always had a lot of admiration and respect for the way that Mohammed Siraj goes about his cricket. What he does and how he takes it on. Fair play to him."

On where he would rank this series among those he's been part of, Stokes drew comparisons with the 2023 Ashes "It's been a pretty special one to be a part of. It's been full of ups and downs, ebbs and flows throughout every game. India have been in control, we've been in control. Then it's come back to them, then it's come back to us. To be a part of it and be able to experience five games like this has been pretty special.

"We had a similar situation here in '23 with the Ashes, where we had to come here and win the game. And that again was another special series to be a part of. That was 2-2, this was 2-2. It's been awesome to be a part of. Obviously there is still a lot of disappointment. But for the game, for the wider game, obviously we want to constantly be promoting the game. This series has been great for that."