Ben lights Edgbaston

BEN STOKES was hailed by friend and foe alike as he bludgeoned the Aussies out of the Champions Trophy.

The all-rounder was drowning in praise from skipper Eoin Morgan and his Aussie opposite number Steve Smith.

Stokes cracked an unbeaten century after launching a superb fightback with his captain as England won a rainaffected match by 40 runs.

Their magnificent 159-run stand rescued England who were reeling at 35-3, chasing a below-par total of 278.

But with Morgan (87) lashing the ball to all parts and Stokes seeing out the match to the bitter end, the points were secured on Duckworth-lewis. Morgan said: “We know where he is as a cricketer. The IPL auction proved that. His potential is through the roof.”