BEN STOKES will head for the World Cup with the burden of captaincy parked and his confidence exhumed by his latest record-breaking rampage.
Ahead of next month's defence of their one-day title, England will complete their warm-up series against New Zealand at Lord's today knowing their superhero can still throw off his cape and deliver violence to order with the bat.
To say Stokes' 182, littered with 15 fours and nine sixes, at The Oval on Wednesday was the difference between the two sides was a precision of truism.
His contribution was one more than England's massive 181-run winning margin, and after today the next time these teams meet will be in India for the World Cup opener on October 5.
Seldom, if ever, has the phrase 'See you in Ahmedabad' sounded more like a threat.
This story is from the September 15, 2023 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
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This story is from the September 15, 2023 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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