Ben Stokes feels England can defend their ODI World title, says no arrogance in admitting they’re a ‘very good team’ | Cricket News
England Test team captain Ben Stokes admitted that England have a “very good” team and they can certainly become the third side after Australia and West Indies to win back-to-back ODI World Cups.
“I don’t think it’s arrogance to say we’re a very good team,” Stokes told The Guardian.
Ben Stokes has returned from his ODI retirement for the upcomming World Cup. A longstanding knee injury means he won’t bowl in this World Cup
The 32-year-old, who will only play as a middle-order batsman says England will have an edge over the other teams as they have more experience of playing in the big games.
“We’re in the mix. And what we now have in our favour, I think, is experience of huge games – an edge against sides who don’t play as many,” he said.
“I know franchise T20 cricket means a lot more players have been exposed to those situations; it’s great for that.
“But it doesn’t come close to wearing your country’s shirt, billions watching, knowing if you lose, you’re out.”
England’s Ben Stokes leaves the pitch after being caught LBW during his last ODI during the first One Day International match between England and South Africa at the Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street, England, Tuesday July 19, 2022. (Owen Humphreys/PA via AP)
Stokes was pivotal in England’s 2019 title triumph. It was his all-round performance that show England got over the line in a match that went all the way down to the wire.
“So much time has passed but whenever I rock up to Lord’s I remember that day,” Stokes said.
“Weirdly, I always think back to the six Jimmy Neesham hit during the super over. I was just smiling out there, thinking ‘100 overs, dead level, down to the wire, all the mad things that have happened, what more can this game throw at us?’ It was ridiculous.Most Read
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“That last ball of the match, the run out, everyone charging on to the field … yeah, it was pretty cool. People think I collapsed with emotion but in fact I just slipped. I thought I managed to style it out quite well.”
Stokes has again played a crucial role in helping England win the T20 World Cup in Australia. He is going to have a hectic next couple of years. Following the World Cup, he will be leading the England team for a five-match Test series against India, a place where they have won just a single Test since 2012.
“It’s the hardest place to win. I’m confident I have the players and will try to make India think differently to how they usually play. But they are a seriously good team,” he said.
