The Ashes: England are 'absolutely devastated' says Ben Stokes following defeat to Australia in Edgbaston thriller

Captain Ben Stokes admits England are “absolutely devastated” after Australia secured victory by two wickets on day five of the Ashes to take a stunning Test match at Edgbaston. It had looked ominous for Australia, who were 227-8 and 54 runs away, but captain Pat Cummings and Nathan Lyon formed a formidable partnership to add an unbroken 55 as Australia reached their target of 281 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Ad Reflecting on an incredible Test, Stokes told the BBC: «Unbelievable.

That’s why you play it. I think in terms of everything we have spoken about constantly for a long period of time. It came down to the end of today.

Everyone was on the edge of their seat. CricketBroad's late strikes swing thrilling first Ashes Test in England's favourYESTERDAY AT 18:26 »We are not a results-driven team. We are, of course, absolutely devastated.

The lads are in pieces up there. 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.

A few chances go our way, there were a few drops as well. But we have four matches to go.” Early rain and a wet outfield meant action couldn’t begin until 2.15pm. England made a bright start, making the breakthrough 25 minutes after play started when Scott Boland was edged behind on the drive by Stuart Broad and it flew through to Jonny Bairstow.