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From Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in The Oval
England captain Joe Root said levelling the Ashes at 2-2 round off a summer that’s been a”tremendous success” for English cricket.
Victory in an remarkable final watched England win an initial World Cup in July.
Though they did not regain the Ashes,” Ben Stokes inspired them into an astounding triumph in the Test and victory at The Oval ensured the series ended in a draw.
“What a summer of cricket it’s been,” said .
England’s World Cup final victory over New Zealand came following a super more than was tied, however, at Headingley, Stokes played among those all-time wonderful innings to lead the hosts to their highest ever Test run-chase, the final 76 runs forthcoming at a last-wicket stand with Jack Leach.
“It’s been phenomenal,” added that the Yorkshire batsman. “That World Cup was incredible, for this to finish how it did, created for fantastic seeing – not only the England matches, but around the board.
“It had been backed up by such an evenly matched Ashes series. Support that was brilliant blessed us throughout and the cricket was gripping. It was rather difficult to be involved in at times, particularly when we were on the end of this.
“It has been a massive success for English cricket and also a terrific chance to spring up the game forward in this country.”
England’s defeat at the fourth Test at Old Trafford guaranteed Australia could keep the Ashes and could not shed the series.
But, defending a record that has seen them never lose a home series to Australia since 2001, the series levelled at The Oval having a 135-run victory.
“A 2-2 score looks a hell of a lot better than 3-1,” said Root, that has failed to acquire either of his Ashes series as captain. “It is probably a fair result.
“There’ve been instances once we have been outside skilled and we have been cluttered to the odd hour here and there, that has cost usbut we’ve always fought quite difficult.
“Hopefully this is going to be a huge stepping stone and starting point from where we can kick as a team.”
And Root repeated his desire to still be in control when England attempt to win the urn on the tour of Australia at 2021-22, saying he would like to be captain for the”long haul”.
“I’m desperate to take this team forward,” he explained. “I’m in a very privileged place to become captain of the Test team and I will do whatever I can to get us well prepared for going down there and doing something really unique.”
England all-rounder Ben Stokes:”It was a weird feeling at the end. We are pleased with what we managed to do in this game but we couldn’t win the Ashes.
“In the start of summer everybody was so excited with what we had beforehand, now summer time came to a conclusion it’s been unbelievable to be a part of as an individual player.
“I don’t think you may ever return and ask what should we had done this or done that different. It has been and that’s revealed in the final result. I believe it is a effect between two and teams everyone was treated to a excellent series and since Ashes cricket consistently is.
“I will return Headingley in a couple of years’ time with fond memories likely, but I would swap it for winning for the Ashes .”
Asked if Joe Root is the right man to take England forward, Stokes explained:”100%”
England bowler Jofra Archer, who was known as man of the match after taking 6-62 at the first innings:”In the minute I’ve set an England shirt on it’s been enjoyable cricket. I am glad we were able to draw on the series. Jeez… bowling at Steve Smith was a task. I’m glad to see the back of him.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan:”Steve Smith was joy to see. From where he had been Edgbaston, that innings was special. His team were gone at 122-8 and how Peter Siddle was shepherded by him and played with control. This was among the great Test innings. He has been a pleasure to watch.
“With England, I think we might observe a change in approach the Evaluation team takes. Maybe the players will miss the one-day games if they are playing all 3 formats. The Test team requires a little bit of TLC and Joe Root would be your skipper to take them forward.”
Jon Room on Twitter: World Cup. Super over. A quick check of the principles. The nut. Death and taxes. The day Tuffers has been in. Headingley chase. Sir Benjamin Stokes. Broad to Warner. Series drawn. Jim and THE SHIPPING FORECAST. Thank you for cricket TMS’s summer.
Joe at Greece: Best Ashes because 2005.
Arthur Branch: What a summer of cricket – Stokes’ catch at The Oval versus South Africa, England’s semi-final triumph over Australia, Stokes’ heroics from the World Cup final, winning the World Cup after a superb over, Headingley plus a dazzling Ashes series finishes 2-2.
Antony Butler cricket. I miss it .
Analysis and comment from the BBC’s cricket correspondent.
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