Stokes can go through roof: Eoin

BIRMINGHAM: Eoin Morgan said the potential of Ben Stokes is “through the roof” after having the best view in the house as the all-rounder’s stunning century helped England knock Australia out of the Champions Trophy.

England, already through to the semi-finals of a tournament featuring the world’s top eight one-dayinternationalsides,were reeling at 35 for three chasing a target of 278 at Edgbaston on Saturday.

But in a match their arch-rivals had to win to join them in the last four, Stokes, with an ODI best 102 not out, and England captain Morgan (87) put on 159 for the fourth wicket at better than a runa-ball.

By the time a second rain interruption saw the game called off, England were 240 for four off 40.2 overs and won by 40 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

A previous rain break gave Morgan and Stokes time to assess their approach after a top-order collapse threatened to undo England’s earlier good work in restricting Australia to 277 for nine, with fast bowler Mark Wood taking an ODI best four for 33 and leg-spinner Adil Rashid four for 41. When the match resumed, Morgan hit boundaries off the first two balls he faced from Australia spearhead Mitchell Starc, part of a sequence of five fours in 11 balls

“We felt that the positive way was the best way,” Morgan told reporters of the chat he’d had with Stokes shortly before the match got underway again.

“It managed to work, we did it in our own way.” He added: “So I did what I do, and obviously Ben’s very naturally aggressive and finds attacking quite easy.”

Turning to fellow left-handed batsman Stokes, now one of the hottest properties in world cricket after an impressive debut season in the IPL, Morgan said: “His potential is through the roof. He’s always looking to influence the game -- bat, ball, or even in the field.