Basher Ben is best in world
MORGAN IN AWE
EOIN MORGAN has hailed Ben Stokes as the best player in the world.
And he insists the 25-year-old all-rounder holds the key to England’s chances in next month’s Champions Trophy.
Morgan was speaking after Stokes smashed a scintillating unbeaten 103 from 63 balls in the Indian Premier League.
He outshone team-mates like current Aussie skipper Steve Smith and Indian superstar MS Dhoni to help the Rising Pune Supergiant chase down 161 against Gujarat Lions on Monday.
Stokes’ £1.7m price tag makes him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. But, according to limited-overs captain Morgan, his value to his country this summer could be priceless.
“It was incredible, absolutely incredible,” Morgan said of Stokes’ century. “You look at why guys play in tournaments like this. It’s so they can produce performances like Ben’s, sit in the same team as an Australian captain and Indian legend – and outperform them.
“It builds a huge amount of confidence and it’s a huge stepping block for us as England cricketers.
“I think it just proves that he can compete with the best.
Grow
“Rubbing shoulders with the best names in the world, outperforming them or growing in confidence from playing with them are two things he’ll have in abundance.
“It makes us grow as a group, knowing we have a player who potentially is the best in the world.”
England will be without Stokes, Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes for the two ODIs against Ireland, starting in Bristol tomorrow, with the trio allowed to stay in the IPL.
But all three will be back for a four-day training camp in Spain on May 16, which will signal the official start of England’s Champions Trophy preparations.
England are favourites to land a first global 50-over title when they host the tournament.
And even though they face a tough group including Australia and New Zealand – the two World Cup finalists – Morgan believes his side can make history.
He said: “I think we’re definitely in with a shout. We have all the attributes to win the tournament.
“You go into games needing to win pretty much every one.” ¬Ê Jonny Bairstow warmed up for tomorrow’s game with 174 off just 113 balls in Yorkshire’s six-wicket Royal London One-Day Cup win against Durham yesterday.