Ashes 2019 | Ben Stokes' innings was one of the all time great ones, says Pat Cummins

They say it's not over until it's actually over, and no one will know the value of this statement more than Australia, who learned their lesson the hard way after being schooled by Ben Stokes at Headingley. The all-rounder turned things around and catapulted his side to victory from a situation which looked like a certain defeat, scoring an astonishing 135 with minimal support from the other end.

Speaking about it, Pat Cummins admitted that there was very little his team could have done about the situation, and tipped his hat off to Stokes for his extraordinary efforts. 

"It's not too often you get in that position and someone takes the game away from you like Ben Stokes did. We had a few chances, but it was one of the all-time great innings," Cummins was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

"There were a few things we could have done differently but, on the whole, he just played one of those innings that's hard to stop," he added.

While he did express his disappointment ruing his team's missed chances, Cummins insisted that it was nothing more than one bad day for his team at the office and that the team is still in pretty good spirits post the loss. He also praised his teammates for the professionalism they showed during the defeat.

"But when you look at it, a couple of catches, maybe a missed run out... When a batsman comes out and scores 100-odd like that, hitting sixes off an off-spinner out of the rough so cleanly, you've just got to say, 'Well done.'," he said.

"Someone's had a day out. We'll be alright. I was really proud of how everyone stayed quite level. When we bowled them out for 67 or when they got a partnership, we were quite even. It's the sign of a pretty confident squad," the 26-year-old pacer said.

The New South Welshman also lauded under-fire skipper Tim Paine for his leadership. Speaking of the wasted review which eventually cost Australia the match, Cummins said that everyone takes certain decisions in the heat of the moment, while adding that all decisions were reflected on post the conclusion of the match.

"Painey's been brilliant. He walked straight into the changing room and said, 'It's 1-1, it's all good. Two more matches to go.'

"Bowlers, him as a captain, everyone makes decisions and you reflect after the game on what you could have done differently."

Ausralia will play Derbyshire in a 3-day warmup match starting today, which Cummins won't be taking part in.