'Dream over': Ben Stokes laments three-game Ashes disaster as Australia seal series in Adelaide
England's dream of reclaiming the Ashes is officially over.
A blunt Ben Stokes admitted his side's quest for the urn failed not for a lack of ambition, but because of glaring inconsistency across the opening three Tests.
It took Australia just 11 days of clinical cricket to secure the series and retain the Ashes, wrapping up an unassailable 3-0 lead with an 82-run victory on the final day at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Stokes refused to hide from his side's failings, offering sincere praise to the Australian outfit while admitting he was hardly surprised by the ending in Adelaide.
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However, even though the urn will not be travelling back with the squad to England next year, Stokes has no plans to let his team give up just yet.
"The dream that we came here with is now over," the 34-year-old said post-match.
Ben Stokes shakes hands with Australia captain Pat Cummins after losing the Ashes. Getty
"That is incredibly disappointing. Everyone is quite hurt and emotional about it. We have two more games to go, and that is where our focus needs to switch.
"We came here with a goal in mind, and we've not been able to achieve that.
"It hurts, and it sucks, but we aren't going to stop."
In a promising sign for Stokes, England did look to be on track to threaten Australia's hopes of claiming a three-nil lead after a solid stint by Will Jacks and Jamie Smith.
The pair's efforts came just a week after Stokes made several bold comments about his squad, including his claim that the England dressing room has "no weak men".
The English all-rounder then laid out the areas his playing group most needed to work on, but reiterated that the side was not short of talent.
On Sunday, Stokes conceded he was happy with the team's improvements.
"Looking back on this game, losing the toss and going into bowl and then keeping Australia to an under-par score ... we knew that we had a great opportunity to go and put a big score on the board," he said.
Ben Stokes reacts as Josh Inglis of Australia scores runs. Getty
"To fight back the way we did with the ball (on day four) - we were confident we had a good chance of chasing it down because we knew how good the wicket was.
"There were obviously going to be challenges that were presented to us, and we dealt with them in passages.
"All the stuff from last week around what I wanted to see from the team, I can definitely say that I've seen it this week.
"Some of the guys who are lower down the order stuck in and showed that fight and responsibility that I was asking for. Yes, we've been on the wrong side of the result, but I think we can take a lot from this game."
There have been several explanations from pundits as to why England's time on Australian soil has gone so poorly, with most pointing to systemic issues.
England coach Brendon McCullum has been put under the spotlight at the end of each day's play, while other misfiring players have copped heat on social media.
But Stokes refused to allow any individuals to get the blame for the team's result.
"We have all done that to ourselves as opposed to any individual," he said when probed about where it all went wrong.
"Australia has just been able to execute things on a much more consistent basis compared to us, with the ball, the bat and in the field," he said.
"This game of cricket is based on how you bowl, bat and field. They've been able to outdo us on a much higher level.
"We have not been consistent or relentless enough. Our execution just hasn't been anywhere near good enough to come to Australia and compete with these guys.
"At the moment, the score line reflects that, but we have two more games with so much to play for.
"I thought we were on for another heist this morning. Jamie (Smith) and Will (Jacks) were playing so well ... But we have two more games with so much to play for.
"We aren't going to just fall over and let this series play out. We are going to leave absolutely everything out there on the field; we will give absolutely everything."
