Finch terms Stokes as the best all-rounder

LONDON: Aaron Finch labelled Ben Stokes as one of the best allrounders in the world. Stokes dazzled with 102 from 109 balls as England beat Australia by 40 runs on the DLS method .

After limiting Australia – who needed to win their final pool game after consecutive washouts – to 277-9, Stokes shared a 159-run stand with Eoin Morgan (87) as England closed within 38 runs of the target with six wickets in hand and ahead of the DLS par score before rain forced a premature end in the 41st over.

Stokes also claimed figures of 1-61 in the first innings, earning praise from Australian opponent Finch. “His confidence and his belief in his own ability is outstanding,” Finch said.

“When he’s on, he’s on – that’s why he’s one of the best all-rounders in the world. I think he’d make most sides in the world as a batter or bowler.

“The way England attacked us, they were prepared to take the game on and took it away from us for a little bit.

“There wasn’t a huge amount of balls going to the fielder at one point between [Morgan] Morgs and Stokesy; they played unbelievably well, it’s always tough when it whizzes past you.”

Finch helped set the tone early in Birmingham, the Aussie opener hitting 68 off 64 deliveries.

His impressive tally guided Australia to 136-2, before he received plenty of stick from the local supporters while fielding on the boundary.

“It’s brilliant, it’s good fun. They always provide a lot of entertainment out there. Between here at The Oval and Headingley in the Western Terrace it’s always good fun banter,” Finch said.

“You have to [win them over] otherwise it’s a long afternoon. They were on my side for a while. It’s one of those things, you win them over early.