Ben Stokes has been tipped to once more stand and deliver on the big occasion for England in today’s crucial T20 World Cup clash with New Zealand.
Last week’s surprise defeat to Ireland has left England realistically needing victory in Brisbane this morning to keep their tournament hopes alive.
And while all-round talisman Stokes has failed to shine with the bat in five matches since his T20 return – averaging 10.25 – he has been useful with the ball and Paul Collingwood has faith make-or-break matches bring out the Test captain’s best.
Despite speculation about his chronic knee issue, England insist Stokes – who opted not to train yesterday – is fit for his first limited-overs game against New Zealand since his heroic efforts in the 50-over World Cup final in 2019.
Collingwood, one of England’s assistant coaches and former Durham team-mate of Stokes, added: ‘The one person that you want in your team when the pressure is on is Ben Stokes.