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Ben Stokes is already a legend. The England all-rounder has seen it all. England’s Test captain led the red giants to a five-wicket win over Pakistan in Sunday’s final of the ICC T20 World Cup in Melbourne. The top all-rounder registered his maiden half-century in the match. He scored a responsible 52 not out of 49 balls to guide England home while chasing Pakistan’s 137/8 in 20 overs.
A story in four photos.
Ben Stokes is a mentality monster.
World Class. pic.twitter.com/YJtTWvMHgb
— Cricket Shouts (@crickshouts) November 13, 2022
Interestingly, this was not the first time Stokes led England to memorable wins on significant occasions. Stokes’s tryst with destiny started in the 2019 ICC 50 Over World Cup in Lords. England looked on a spot of bother in the final against New Zealand as Stokes walked into the crease.
Is Ben Stokes England's greatest cricketer of all time? 🤔
Read more from the England skipper 👉 https://t.co/7BdaFDpXWH#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/thmyG7EGm4
— ICC (@ICC) November 13, 2022
The left-handed batter stitched a valuable stand with Jos Buttler and later excelled in the Super Over and the all-important final over to gift England with their first 50-over trophy. It was a memorable moment for the inventors of the game.
Ben Stokes and the Ashes heroics
At Headingley, England looked down and out against the Aussie pace attack that consisted of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. The hero, Ben Stokes, did not give up on the run chase. He started dramatically slow. At one stage, Stokes was batting at 4 runs off 76 balls.
England fans doubted whether the magic will happen, but not Stokes. In the end, he pulled off a stunning last-wicket partnership with Jack Leach to help the mighty team to clinch the Ashes win in the Third Test match. On all these three occasions, be it the 50 Over World Cup, T20 World Cup, or the Ashes, there was only one player who withstood the test of times.
What makes Stokes an impact player?
Ben Stokes is a tough customer. He has had his own mental battles. Cricket is all about mind games. Once, Stokes was down and out with depression. He took a break, sensed things, put in the effort, and moved on with clarity and purpose.
What a journey for Ben Stokes from 2016 to 2022. pic.twitter.com/C6z37J6vHO
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 13, 2022
His reaction to pressure situations is notable. Ben Stokes is cool and composed. He did not react overly to pressure scenarios, because he is mentally tough. Refined steel is born with heating. And Stokes is a man who is made of steel.
