'We didn't have a chance in hell'

PROUD STOKES BOWS TO WORLD-CLASS SPINNERS

- DAVID CHARLESWORTH

BEN STOKES denied England lack a ruthless edge and expressed pride in their efforts in such a difficult place to tour.

England succumbed to a first Test series defeat under the leadership of captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, as India moved into an unassailable 3-1 lead.

India hit back from 177-7 in reply to 353 to keep the firstinnings deficit to 46 before England crumbled from 110-3 to 145 all out and could not stop the hosts chasing 192.

The tourists have let slip promising opportunities on several occasions in this series but Stokes is not one for regrets and instead commended Ravi Ashwin, Yadav Kuldeep Ravindra Jadeja swinging this Test India's way after they shared all 10 wickets in England's second innings.