Jos Buttler touts Ben Stokes as the ‘ultimate competitor’ after England’s talisman led them to victory with an unbeaten half-century in the T20 World Cup final…as the captain admits glory was still a long way off after a dismal loss against Ireland
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England captain Jos Buttler praised ‘ultimate competitor’ Ben Stokes after another match-winning batting performance in a World Cup final.
Stokes hit the winning runs as his unbeaten 52 led England to their victory goal after a fine bowling display limited Pakistan to 137 for eight in the MCG.
It means England are the reigning world champions in both the 20- and 50-over games, with Stokes being one of the golden lines connecting and connecting the exciting 2019 triumph at Lord’s.
England captain Jos Buttler kisses the World Cup trophy after his team’s win over Pakistan
Ben Stokes hit the winning run as England won the T20 World Cup final by five wickets
“He is the ultimate competitor in everything he does,” Buttler said on Sky Sports.
“He also has a lot of experience to build on, he can take a lot on his shoulders. Sometimes you think it must be time for him to get us over that line, but he timed it perfectly.
“The impulse that he and Moeen Ali brought into the game robbed Pakistan of it.”
Reflecting on a tournament Down Under that hadn’t been without its problems, not least after losing to Ireland in a rain-stricken group stage match, Buttler added: “I’m just immensely proud of everyone here.
“It’s been a long journey with some changes in how we’ve played over the years and we’re reaping the rewards.
England is the first side to hold the 50-over World Cup and the T20 World Cup simultaneously
The champagne flows as England celebrate their last white ball success in the MCG
‘It has been a fantastic tournament. We have been away for a long time, we went to Pakistan before coming here which was really valuable time for the group.
“This felt very far from the game in Ireland, but the character we showed from then on in games that you always have to win was amazing.
“The game in Ireland was very difficult, but we improved game after game and peaked at the right time.”
Buttler rightly praised the bowling performances of Sam Curran, whose three wickets saw him named World Cup player, and Adil Rashid, whose wicket girl blocked Pakistan’s progress.
Sam Curran was named Player of the Match and Tournament after finishing 3-12
“Sam Curran has had the most remarkable tournament, he led the attack really well, threw in the tough overs and we all jumped on that,” Buttler said.
“That was a huge swing in the game and a fantastic over from Adil. He was especially outstanding in the last three games.
“He’s always been the guy we throw the ball at to make things happen and his performance was outstanding.”
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