Heroes of the ‘greatest ever game of one-day cricket’ are honoured
THEIR ENDEAVOURS were central to the win in what many have heralded as the greatest ever game of one-day cricket.
Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler were the two batsmen at the crease during the thrilling climax to England’s victory over New Zealand in last summer’s World Cup tournament.
And the two cricketers were yesterday awarded honours at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their sporting heroics.
After last summer’s triumph, Stokes was made an OBE for his services to cricket in the New Year Honours list, while teammate Buttler was made an MBE.
The duo were joined at Buckingham Palace by Colin Graves, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, who was recognised with a CBE for services to the sport.
Mr Graves said he was “honoured” to be alongside Stokes and Buttler, adding: “Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s two great players and to share the day with them is brilliant.”
The chairman said that there was a “buzz” amongst fans following a golden summer for cricket, which saw England triumph in the men’s World Cup final at Lord’s in July last year.
A nail-biting super over was played out when the scores of the two teams were drawn after the allotted 50 overs for each side.
“You just have to look at the Sports Personality of the Year awards, Stokesy won the main award, the team won the team award, the team won the moment of the year award,” Mr Graves said.
“To win all those three prizes at those awards was fantastic.”
When collecting his honours, Mr Graves said the Duke of Cambridge had acknowledged cricket was “on a high” and “in a different place” following England’s triumph.
It’s two great players and to share the day with them is brilliant.
Cricket chairman Colin Graves pays tribute to Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler.