England skipper Ben Stokes was quite graceful in his acceptance of a six-run defeat to India in the fifth Test at The Oval, insisting that the 2-2 series result was a fair reflection of one of the most fiercely contested series in recent memory.

Stokes lauded both teams for delivering 25 days of fascinating cricket that, in his words, should silence people questioning the future of the Test format.

Chasing 374 to win, the Three Lions were at 339/6 when bad light and rain brought an early end to the fourth day’s play.

The visitors swiftly took the remaining four wickets, ending England’s second innings at 367 in 85.1 overs. While Mohammed Siraj returned with the figures of 5/104 in his 30.1 overs, Prasidh Krishna bagged four wickets (4-126 in 27 overs) and Akash Deep claimed one scalp.

"It's been toe-to-toe for 25 days," Stokes said. "All four previous matches went into the final day and this one did too. Two very good sides have thrown everything at each other and left nothing out there. From a cricket fan's point of view, 2-2 is probably fair. Obviously we're disappointed not to have got the result we wanted to secure a series win, so there's frustration-but credit to both teams for the level of cricket played."

Stokes, who was ruled out of the fifth Test due to a shoulder injury, was quick to highlight the significance of the series.

"As a massive advocate for this format, and Test cricket in general, this series should really help push back against the narrative that Test cricket is dying," he stated. "Yes, we're disappointed from a playing perspective, but as someone who loves the game, it's been a fantastic series to be part of."

England were in a dominant position on Day 4 when Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) combined for a 195-run fourth-wicket stand that propelled the hosts past 300. At 301/3, the hosts were favorites but Indian bowlers staged a great fightback, claiming three late wickets to reduce them to 339/6 at stumps.

Stokes hailed Brook's innings and defended the young batter for not taking the team over the line.

"Harry got us into that position by playing with real intent, putting the Indian bowlers under immense pressure and not allowing them to settle. I'm sure everyone applauded him when he brought up his century. The way he got out? That's a shot we saw him play throughout the innings-this time it didn't come off, but it's part of how he got us into that strong position in the first place."

Stokes also lauded the courage of Chris Woakes, who batted one-handed with a dislocated left shoulder in an attempt to steer England home.

"Woakesy coming out injured, just being out there, shows how much this series meant to everyone," he said.

Despite the outcome, Stokes was graceful in defeat and proud of the spectacle the two sides had produced.

"This was one of the best series I've been part of. Hopefully it's one people will remember-not just for the cricket, but for what it showed about Test cricket's enduring appeal."