Thanks to Ben Stokes, the legacy of English cricket is secure
The all-rounder guided England to victory in the T20 World Cup final as a talented team fulfilled its immense potential, writes Jack Rathborn
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Your support makes all the difference.Eoin Morgan] had the chance to be a T20-winning captain, but somebody blew that up,” chuckled Ben Stokes, happily trolling himself after leading England to World Cup glory over Pakistan at the MCG.
There is great humour to this England side, which is now the most dominant one-day side in the world after backing up the legendary super-over victory in the 2019 World Cup.
Not only is there great personality and diversity to this team, but something that is so often overlooked and sometimes boring – amid a flurry of highlights in this enthralling format – is the methodology and hard work behind these moments.
“In finals, sometimes you forget all the hard work before that,” Stokes remarked, barely able to digest what had just happened after a scrappy and then forceful unbeaten 52 runs off 49 deliveries.
English sport routinely delivers heaps of sorrow, with brave efforts usually falling agonisingly short. Stokes would know, having watched on, powerless, despite holding the ball, as Carlos Braithwaite sent him into orbit with four consecutive sixes in the T20 World Cup final six years ago. The West Indies required 19 runs off the final over that day, England refused to even allow a final over on Sunday in the five-wicket victory.
That crushing loss in 2016 temporarily halted the path to supremacy of one of the greatest one-day sides in history.
Eoin Morgan – the pioneering and flamboyant batter who was captain before Jos Buttler – laid the groundwork, transforming the game in this country and beyond.
And, yes, with its vast resources, English cricket is privileged (it was acknowledged as such in the celebrations after Melbourne). But the meticulous planning from Morgan and co has enabled this side to fulfil its immense potential.
And while brave, gutsy performances are common across English sport, learning and adapting could become a pattern, with Stokes now an inspiration.
“He’s obviously never let that 2016 final push him back,” Buttler said. “You think of the things he’s gone on to achieve in his career since then, it’s just amazing.”
The legacy of this England side is now secure. What managing director Rob Key and head coach Matthew Mott must do now is harness these precious qualities to create a lasting dynasty for this era. Then a third World Cup and beyond will await.
Yours,
Jack Rathborn
Assistant sports editor
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