Broken

Skipper Stokes admits England are absolutely shattered after a crushing epic defeat at Edgbaston

- JEREMY CROSS

BEN STOKES admitted England were broken after a shattering Ashes defeat at Edgbaston.

But Stokes vowed his side would continue to produce Bazball cricket – despite blowing the chance to win this first Test thriller.

Australia chased down 281 to win an epic showdown thanks to captain marvel Pat Cummins, who smashed an unbeaten 44 at the death to seal a two-wicket triumph.

A devastated but defiant Stokes said: “We are not a results-driven team.

“We are, of course, absolutely devastated. The lads are in pieces.

“But if that’s not attracting people to the game we love, then I don’t know what will.

“You have never won a game until you have won it. It was still massively in the balance.

“We had to come up with different ideas, keep changing things.

“And it just comes down to small margins in the end. But we have four matches to go.”

Captain Stokes will face huge criticism for declaring on the opening day, with Joe Root still unbeaten on 118.