The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, and England’s star all-rounder, Ben Stokes, is brimming with confidence in his team’s ability to defend their title. Stokes, known for his remarkable performances on the field, emphasized that the Jos Buttler-led England team is well-equipped and experienced when it comes to handling high-pressure matches.
England currently stands as the most dominant team in white-ball cricket. The Three Lions hold the prestigious world champions’ title in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This remarkable achievement places them in a unique position to become the third team in history, after the West Indies and Australia, to successfully defend their ODI World Cup.
In a candid conversation with The Guardian, Ben Stokes spoke passionately about his team’s prospects in the upcoming World Cup. He highlighted the unique intensity that representing one’s country in crucial matches brings, an experience that cannot be replicated in franchise T20 cricket.
“I don’t think it’s arrogance to say we’re a very good team. We’re in the mix. And what we now have in our favor, I think, is the experience of huge games an edge against sides who don’t play as many,” Stokes expressed to The Guardian.
Stokes went on to emphasize the contrast between franchise T20 cricket and international matches. While T20 leagues expose players to high-pressure situations, wearing one’s country’s jersey in a World Cup with billions watching carries an unparalleled weight of responsibility.
“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,” he added.
Ben Stokes had announced his retirement from ODI cricket last year, but the lure of the World Cup was too strong to resist. He made a remarkable comeback just before the 2023 World Cup, marking his return to the ODI format. It’s worth noting that Stokes played a pivotal role in England’s World Cup triumph in 2019, earning the Player of the Match award in the final.
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Stokes fondly recalled the 2019 World Cup final held at Lord’s. He described the intensity of the match and the unforgettable moments, such as Jimmy Neesham’s six during the superover.
“So much time has passed but whenever I rock up to Lord’s I remember that day,” Stokes reminisced.
“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.”
Stokes also addressed the iconic last ball of the match, the run-out, and the triumphant scene of everyone rushing onto the field.
“That last ball of the match, the run-out, everyone charging onto the field… yeah, it was pretty cool. People think I collapsed with emotion, but in fact, I just slipped. I managed to style it out quite well.
England’s journey to defend their World Cup title will commence with a match against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. Subsequently, they will face hosts India in Lucknow on October 29.
