ICC World Cup 2019: Ben Stokes Vows Palpable England Will Return Stronger

Jun 26, 2019 at 5:11 PM

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ICC World Cup 2019: Ben Stokes Vows Palpable England Will Return Stronger

All-rounder Ben Stokes had played a couple of brave innings, but they went in vain, as England lost both their two consecutive games at the ICC World Cup 2019. However, the star cricketer is hopeful by calling the ODI Showpiece is still what the Three Lions would want to lift at their home. Following a loss, England slipped to the fourth spot on the points table with just eight league stage points from seven matches.

Thus, it is their first back-to-back losses (ODI) since 2015 in England.

The Durham-based Stokes insisted that they’re pretty much into the game despite losing against Sri Lanka before surrendering in a one-sided affair against Australia at the Lord’s on Tuesday (June 26).

Ben Stokes hopeful despite England’s bleak show:

Ben Stokes
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Soon after the defeat, Stokes reiterated it is England’s World Cup. He further conceded that the fans have supported them thoroughly post-2015 World Cup debacle. Also, he expressed delighted to be a part of the World Cup campaign by representing England.

“This is our World Cup. We’ve had great support over the last four years. And we also know how much the World Cup means to fans and we know that as players as well. It’s one of the biggest times and greatest times to be a cricketer, which is to represent your country at a World Cup,” Stokes revealed.

While trying to take his team out of dire straits, Stokes produced a gem of a knock against the Islanders. He remained unbeaten on 82 before recording 115-ball 89. He has smashed eight fours and two sixes while playing a cautious knock before being rattled by Mitchell Starc with an inswinging yorker.

Following a good start to their World Cup campaign, England suffered a hiccup when they lost to Pakistan. However, they further struggled and went on to lose their game by 20 runs against the Lions before Australia steamrolled them by 64 runs.

“I think it’s just disappointing, losing. Everyone tries to go out there and play knocks to get over the line for the team. It always feels nice getting runs and stuff like that. But it counts for nothing when you can’t get over the line,” Stokes elaborated.

England staring down at the barrel:

England, Australia, Stats preview
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Now, they’ve to win both their games to seal the semi-finals berth. Eoin Morgan-led side will face India on June 30 in Birmingham before wrestling with New Zealand on July 3.

Stokes’ entire focus is on gameplan in a bid to upstage India to keep their knockout stage hopes pretty much alive after being deemed as the hot-favourites to lift the title.

“I think we just need to take these last two games as they come. It could be completely different conditions to what we faced here. We know what we are going to do going in with our plans. And then it’s all about adjusting once the game starts,” Stokes said.

Stokes remarked that they need to pull up their socks. He wants teammates to give their best at the business end of the multi-nation tournament.

“But we are not going to take a backwards step. And, as I’ve said, this is our World Cup. We are going to go about it how we want to. But normally we have two or three guys in the order who can do that. We have to really dig deep in these last couple of games here, not go back on how we know we play well,” Stokes said.

Besides, Stokes maintained England have a decent record against India. He stressed that they would also rely on conditions to deliver in pressure-cooker situations.

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