August 5, 2025

In a lively press conference after the gripping fifth Test at The Oval, England captain Ben Stokes expressed his admiration for the recently concluded India-England Test series. Although his team suffered a narrow six-run defeat, Stokes described the series as a true testament to the enduring appeal of Test cricket. With the series now leveled at 2-2, Stokes reflected on the remarkable four matches, each lasting the full five days. He noted, 'All four games going to five days, this one again. Toe to toe for all five days. The two teams left nothing out there.' The intense finale unfolded as England entered Day 5 needing 35 runs with only four wickets in hand. Despite a commendable effort from the Indian bowlers, particularly Mohammed Siraj, who delivered a captivating performance, England fell short of claiming a historic comeback in the series. Siraj's exceptional bowling yielded figures of 5 for 104, and his relentless spirit was a key factor in securing India's victory. Stokes praised Siraj, stating, 'I have had great respect and admiration for him. He just keeps coming and coming. Another example of what it means. Fair play to him.' Among the guests of honors on the field, Chris Woakes made headlines when he appeared to bat with a damaged shoulder, an act that left the crowd in disbelief. 'It’s unbelievable, but it was never going to be a question,' said Stokes admiringly about Woakes’ determination. He noted the growing trend of players enduring injuries during matches, mentioning other instances of resilience in cricket. However, Stokes firmly opposed the idea of allowing injury replacements in Test cricket, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the format. 'Watching when you can’t do anything about it is different,' he commented. England’s spirit shone through as they fought valiantly until the last moment, a sentiment echoed by Stokes. 'India vs England is always a big rivalry,' he remarked, underscoring the significance of their encounters even in the absence of the Ashes context. Stokes wrapped up his comments by celebrating the series as a whole, which kept fans captivated from the start to the finish. 'It’s been a special series to be part of, full of ebbs and flows. To be part of it has been very special,' he concluded. The thrilling nature of the series, combined with the unwavering spirit of the players on both sides, served to affirm the relevance and excitement of Test cricket in the modern era.

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Tags: Ben stokes, India, England, Test cricket, Cricket series, Mohammed siraj,