BEN STOKES will head for the World Cup with the burden of captaincy parked and his confidence restored by his latest record-breaking rampage.
Ahead of next month's defence of their one-day crown in India, England will complete their warm-up series against New Zealand at Lord's today knowing their superhero can still pull on his cape and deliver with the bat.
To say Stokes' 182, littered with nine sixes, at The Oval on Wednesday was the difference between the two sides was clearly stating the obvious.
His individual contribution was one more than England's massive 181-run winning margin and after today, the next time these teams meet will be at the World Cup opener on October 5.
Seldom, if ever, has the phrase 'See you in Ahmedabad' sounded more like a threat.
Denne historien er fra September 15, 2023-utgaven av Daily Star.
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Denne historien er fra September 15, 2023-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
BRIT SMASHERS CAN DO NO WRONG
EMMA RADUCANU and Katie Boulter blew away defending champions Canada to help Great Britain reach the Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals.
Hit for six
Matching Seve's total leaves Rory emotional
ALL CUT UP
Billam-Smith is bloody marvellous in defeat
MARO NO!
Itoje says boss does not deserve Borth barrels
Francais festive woe
FLOP'S KING GEORGE DOUBT
Soaps a lifetime of Riley
DALE TO LAST INTO THE '40s
Rocks race row
'GEOLOGY LINKED TO WHITE SUPREMACY'
MO-MENTUM
Olympic hero chases down van pair who nicked phone
Car boot murder: Cops hunt hubby
POLICE suspect a woman found dead in a car boot was killed by her husband who has since fled the UK.
Even Fido thinks you're a wazzock
DOGS TAKE SIDES IN FAMILY BUST-UPS
