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STOKES AND MORGAN DUMP OLD ENEMY OUT IN THE RAIN
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 as Edgbaston rocked to the tune of ‘Cricket’s coming home.’
Stokes cracked an unbeaten century after launching a superb fightback with his captain as England won a rain- affected 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.
“He is always looking to influence the game and takes a lot on his shoulders.
“Towards the end of their innings he took on two overs which are the most difficult.
“He saves a lot of runs at midon. And then he came into a difficult situation. His hitting was very relaxed and clean. His batting was exceptional.”
Even Smith added: “He’s a fantastic player who’s getting better and better. When he’s in that sort of mood with the bat, he’s hard to stop.”
England turned the tables on the visitors with the ball too.
Mark Wood (4-33) and Adil Rashid (4-41) kept the brakes on after the Aussies got off to a flying start, five wickets falling late on for 15 runs in 26 balls.
Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc stunned the record 25,000 crowd by removing England’s top order. But 87 minutes later, when the captain was brilliantly run-out by Adam Zampa, the punters were on their feet.
Stokes rolled up his sleeves and made it to his century – a majestic exhibition that included 13 fours and two sixes in his 102 not out from 108 balls before the rain came to spare the Aussies any more punishment.