'When you can't participate...': Ben Stokes' 'bitterly disappointed' verdict on England's defeat to India in fifth Test

England captain Ben Stokes was left' bitterly disappointed' as his side recorded a heartbreaking 6-run defeat to India in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The 34-year-old wasn't included in the Three Lions' playing XI after he had sustained a shoulder injury in the fourth Test and thus, had to watch from the sidelines as his side capitulated under pressure and lost their ffinal four wickets in the space of just 30 runs.

With Stokes out injured, the leadership duties were handed to Ollie Pope, who failed to have any major contyribution with the bat. Stokes expressed disappointment over the defeat, but also remarked that he was very proud of the team for putting in a valiant efffort throughout the series.

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"Difficult when you can't participate. Another hard-fought game. Both teams have put so much effort, amazing to be a part of. Bitterly disappointed we couldn't go over the line but very proud of the team," Stokes said in the post-match ceremony.

"The whole series has been awesome. There's always going to be moments where emotions are coming out. No one will be going to bed crying about what was said," he added.

Stokes is already preparing for the Ashes

Stokes also opened up on the injury that had kept him out of the fifth Test and stated that he will rehabbing soon in order to prepare for the upcoming Ashes which is set to commence from November later this year.

"Hopefully, all the injuries are behind me. Rehab starts now and the big one's coming in a few months," Stokes further stated.

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Meanwhile, despite not featuring in the fifth Test, the England captain had a highly impressive series as a whole. He gave valiant contributions with both the bat and the ball, scoring 304 runs and clinching a total of 17 scalps. He played major roles in every match of the assignment and was a constant thorn in India's path.

England's next Test series will be against Australia later in the year, but for now, they will be shifting their focus to the white-ball formats as their three-match ODI series against South Africa will be beginning from September 2. They will then be playing a three-match T20I series against the Proteas as well which will commence from September 10.