Joe Root has said that he was "bitterly disappointed" after England slipped to defeat in fourth Test against Australia on Sunday despite a defiant effort to keep ir Ashes dream alive. England, set a huge target of 383 to win at Old Trafford, were bowled out for 197 following some spirited lower-order defiance. victory left Australia 2-1 up in five-Test series ahead of next week's finale at Oval.

READ: Australia beat England in fourth Test to retain Ashes

Joe Root expresses disappointment

"I'm bitterly disappointed," England Captain Root has told a foreign radio channel. He furr added that, "I thought way we fought today, character we showed, every single one of m can be proud of that today. To come so close to taking it to Oval is hard to take. We've still got to look forward and make sure we level series."

"I think it's been a good Test wicket, an important toss to win, and we were t quite at our best in first innings. We fought hard and bravely throughout game, but we're in position we are w." Joe Root said.

"I think way we went about our business today was impressive. guys will take a lot from that. You learn a lot about your team and players in situations like this and we stood up to challenge and fought bravely," Root concluded.

READ: Joe Root's Lower Protective Gear Shattered By Starc's Bulls-eye

Joe Root hails Steve Smith 

Root hailed Steve Smith, who has scored an astonishing 671 runs at 134.2, including three hundreds in series despite missing England's one-wicket win in third Test at Headingley with a concussion. 

"Steve Smith has played very well," he said. "He's a world-class player. You need to take any chance you get at him early. first Test is probably difference between two sides.

"y've bowled well," he added about Australian team.

READ: Steve Smith's 'textbook' shot leaves netizens in peals of laughter

Steve Smith once again

Steve Smith continued from where he had left off in first innings when he came into bat with Australia at 16/2 and n 24/3 in second innings after England bowlers had made early inroads. neless, Steve Smith had or ideas as he held on to one end and played a counter-attack. He scored a 92-ball 82 as he continues to have a dream run in this Ashes series.

Steve Smith was caught by Ben Stokes off Jack Leach but his superb kck helped Australia get to 186/6 after which y declared ir innings. England were set a target of 383 runs. Smith had scored a splendid 319-ball 211 in first innings. former Australian skipper was declared 'Man of Match' for his brilliant kcks in both innings.

READ: Mighty Steve Smith 'proud to step up when it's tough' for Australia