From wreck to World Cup inspiration — Ben Stokes is England’s superstar, claims skipper Eoin Morgan
EOIN MORGAN claims Ben Stokes has become a World Cup inspiration since the Bristol brawl that almost wrecked his career.
England superstar Stokes, 27, made front-page news two years ago after being arrested for a street fight outside a nightclub.
He was axed from the 2017-18 Ashes squad and was charged with affray, before being cleared in court last August.
But Stokes was back topping the news agenda last Friday after taking one of the all-time great catches in England’s opening World Cup win over South Africa.
And Morgan admits the Durham ace’s all-round display — in which he scored 89 runs, claimed two wickets, took two catches and assisted a run-out — has inspired his team and the nation.
Ahead of today’s Trent Bridge clash with Pakistan, the England skipper, 32, said: “Ben has been unbelievable since the Bristol incident.
“His work ethic, his mentality around the changing room and his performance have worked towards what happened the other day.
“He imposed himself on the game and he did it with a great temperament, which is fantastic to see because he is maturing a huge amount as a cricketer.
“It is great for him to start the tournament like that. That sets the tournament up really well and when his confidence is high, it rubs off on the other guys.
“He’ll want the ball, he’ll want to be in the crucial moment when we’re losing wickets or need to up the rate. In important parts of the game, it makes him an important asset.
“And when he puts in a performance like that it is great, not only for English cricket, but for the sport.
“Everyone from five years old to 75 who watched that game can relate to taking a great catch, taking a wicket and scoring runs — having one of those days where you do nothing wrong.
“The coverage last week gives us a sneak peek into the potential cricket has to grow and the exposure it might have over the next five to six weeks.”
Two years ago [Pakistan] were the best side in the world in the Champions Trophy — they turned us over and they turned India over
Eoin Morgan
England’s other star of their 104-win at The Oval was Jofra Archer, who took figures of 3-27 and forced South African opener Hashim Amla to retire hurt after smashing his helmet with a 90mph bouncer.
But Morgan has moved to cool the hype around the Barbados-born bowler.
He said: “Nobody can bowl fast every game. It’s just not possible.
“It’s like when you have a high-quality batsman who averages over 50, he’s not going to go out and get 100 every game. So take every day as it comes when it comes to Jofra.”
Morgan, though, is tempted to throw another 90mph-plus pace ace into the mix today, with Mark Wood possibly replacing Liam Plunkett.
And asked about the prospect of Wood and Archer playing together, Morgan admitted: “It is exciting. It might happen and if it does that would be awesome.”
Pakistan are bracing themselves for another bumper barrage after West Indies’ quicks skittled them for 105 in 21.4 overs in last week’s seven-wicket defeat at this ground.
They have lost their last 11 completed one-day internationals, including a 4-0 series defeat to England last month.
But Morgan warned: “We are preparing for their ‘A’ game.
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“Two years ago they were the best side in the world in the Champions Trophy — they turned us over and they turned India over.”
Bullish Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood added: “We have the ability to beat England.
“If you see the one-day series, we were not that far away from them. We also have the ability to bounce back. Anyone can still win the World Cup from here.”
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