Joe Root has said that he was "bitterly disappointed" after England slipped to defeat in the fourth Test against Australia on Sunday despite a defiant effort to keep their 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. The victory left Australia 2-1 up in the five-Test series ahead of next week's finale at the Oval.

READ: Australia beat England in the fourth Test to retain the Ashes

Joe Root expresses disappointment

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

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

"I think the way we went about our business today was impressive. The 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 the challenge and fought bravely," Root concluded.

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Joe Root hails Steve Smith 

Root hailed Steve Smith, who has scored an astonishing 671 runs at 134.2, including three hundreds in the series despite missing England's one-wicket win in the 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. The first Test is probably the difference between the two sides.

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

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Steve Smith once again

Steve Smith continued from where he had left off in the first innings when he came into bat with Australia at 16/2 and then 24/3 in the second innings after England bowlers had made early inroads. Nonetheless, Steve Smith had other 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 knock helped Australia get to 186/6 after which they declared their innings. England were set a target of 383 runs. Smith had scored a splendid 319-ball 211 in the first innings. The former Australian skipper was declared 'Man of the Match' for his brilliant knocks in both innings.

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