England players' desire must not be questioned, says Stokes

Former players and pundits criticised the Lions after a weak batting display in the final innings of the second test at Trent Bridge saw the team get bowled out for 133 and lose the match by a massive 340 runs.

(Reuters)

All-rounder Stokes, who scored 18 runs and collected four wickets as South Africa levelled the series at 1-1, said the backlash was fair but some critics took it too far.

"For anyone to question our fight or desire I think is wrong. They should know how much it means to play for England – how much to wear the Three Lions on your chest," Stokes told reporters.

"We have to take criticism on performances which we are understanding of, but (questioning our) desire is too much."

The last time these two sides played a test at the Oval was in July 2012, when South Africa came out on top by an innings and 12 runs.

(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru; editing by Sudipto Ganguly)