'It Was A Scene Of Absolute Joy'

AS Ben Stokes produced his sensational matchwinning innings at Headingley, supported heroically by Jack Leach, few people had a better insider’s view of the unfolding drama than the England and Yorkshire dressing room attendant Mick Kohler-Cadmore.

- Guy Williams

His work earlier this summer at five one-day internationals – four in the World Cup – couldn’t have prepared Mick and his assistant – both of them also looked after the Australians – for the unbearable tension which developed.

“Originally, the atmosphere in the England’s dressing room was subdued because I think virtually everyone thought the game was lost,” Kohler-Cadmore told The Cricket Paper. I’d already put the Aussies’ celebratory beer on ice in their room and filled up their bath. I’d done nothing for England whatsoever.

“As Stokesy and Jack started, a few of the England boys were watching in the physio’s room, the coaches were on the balcony and a few players in the viewing area. No one would leave their seats because cricketers are superstitious.