England captain Ben Stokes has described the recently concluded five-match Test series against India as one of the most intense and compelling series of his career. Despite England falling just short of clinching a series win after a dramatic six-run loss in the final Test at The Oval, Stokes acknowledged that a 2-2 draw was a fair reflection of the high-quality cricket played by both teams.
“2-2 Is Probably Fair”: Stokes on the Series Outcome
In his post-match comments, Stokes praised the spirit and competitiveness displayed by both sides over 25 days of gripping Test cricket:
“I think the series as a whole, even before this game, was incredible — all four games going to five days, this one again… 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.”
While the England skipper expressed disappointment at not securing a series win, especially in such a closely contested final match, he emphasized the broader significance of the series.
A Series That Champions Test Cricket
For Stokes, who missed the fifth Test due to a shoulder injury, the series was more than just a scoreline. It was a statement about the relevance and excitement of the Test format:
“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 the narrative away from ‘Test cricket is dying.’ This series has been fantastic to be part of.”
His comments resonate with the ongoing conversation around preserving the traditional format in an era of fast-paced white-ball cricket.
Praise for Brook’s Century and England’s Fighting Spirit
One of the highlights of the final Test was Harry Brook’s explosive 111, which, alongside Joe Root’s 105, put England in a commanding position during a record 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Reflecting on Brook’s dismissal, which drew some criticism for its aggression, Stokes defended his teammate:
“Some of the shots he played were unbelievable… The way he got out was a shot that we’ve seen a lot from him in that innings — and that was being praised earlier.”
Stokes emphasized that Brook’s approach was central to putting India under pressure and changing the game’s momentum on Day 4.
Injuries and Grit: A Test of Character
Stokes didn’t hold back in praising the bravery of several players who fought through injuries to play crucial roles — on both sides.
Chris Woakes, despite a dislocated shoulder, walked out to bat at No.11 in a last-ditch effort.
Rishabh Pant, battling a broken foot, still stepped up for India.
Shoaib Bashir, with a broken finger, contributed with ball, bat, and in the field.
“It just goes back to how much energy and effort has been put into the series by both teams,” said Stokes, highlighting the human spirit behind the game’s statistics.
Siraj Earns Stokes’ Admiration
Among the standout performers, Mohammed Siraj received special mention from Stokes for his relentless effort throughout the series.
“He just keeps coming and coming. You know he’s always going to be in the fight… I’ve always had a lot of admiration and respect for the way Siraj goes about his cricket. Fair play to him.”
Siraj’s consistent ability to create pressure was pivotal in India’s fightback, particularly in the final Test where he bowled a match-winning spell under extreme pressure.
Comparing with the Ashes: Another Classic Draw
Stokes drew parallels between this series and the 2023 Ashes, which also ended 2-2 after another dramatic finale at The Oval.
“That was 2-2, this was 2-2. Both were special to be a part of. This series had ups and downs in every game. India were in control, we were in control — then it flipped again. It’s been full of ebbs and flows.”
Conclusion: A Series for the Ages
While the disappointment of narrowly missing a win still lingers for England, Ben Stokes’ reflections make it clear: the India-England 2025 Test series was a victory for the format. With packed stadiums, gripping contests, heroic performances, and moments of raw emotion, this was Test cricket at its finest — a timely reminder of why the longest format still matters.
