'Outplayed By The Best Team' - Ben Stokes Following England's Dharamsala Humiliation

Stokes was cleaned up by R Ashwin in 2nd innings [AP]

Riding on a superb collective performance from their players, India annihilated England by an inning and 64 runs in the final Test of the five-match series in Dharamsala. 

In response to England's first innings score of 218 runs, India posted a massive 477-run total before being bowled out on day 3. Trailing their counterparts by 259 runs, the visitors fell like a pack of cards in the second innings, eventually losing the game by a whopping margin. 

In the post-match presentation, England captain Ben Stokes hailed India for their stellar show throughout the series. 

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The veteran allrounder admitted to being outclassed by the home side and complimented them as the best team in the world. 

"We have been outplayed by the best team in the world. Lots of positives to take to the summer. There were small moments which we lost; It happens. We are at the highest level knowing how to play at the level. When India get on top, they get behind you. The guys are around the back. So, you have got to take the risks and not be overawed. We needed to apply ourselves better."

The prominent allrounder lauded openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley besides showering praises on Shoaib Bashir, who claimed a fifer in this Test. Finally, he concluded by commending James Anderson for breaching the 700-wicket milestone in Tests. 

"There are a few positives. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were great at the top and Bashir and Hartley did well with the ball. Joe Root batted beautifully and good for the summer. Good to be bowling out there for me. Jimmy is great. To get 700 Test match wickets as a seamer is great. 41 years old and he is fit as a fiddle. He is an inspiration and I get inspired by it."  

With the emphatic win, India solidified the top position in the WTC standings, while the Englishmen are reeling in eighth place. 

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