Jos Buttler praises Ben Stokes as the ‘ultimate competitor’ after England’s talisman steered them to victory with unbeaten half-century in T20 World Cup final… as captain admits glory felt a long way off after dismal loss to Ireland
England captain Jos Buttler hailed ‘ultimate competitor’ Ben Stokes after yet another match-winning batting performance in a World Cup final.
Stokes hit the winning runs as his unbeaten 52 guided England to their victory target after a fine bowling display had restricted Pakistan to 137 for eight at the MCG.
It means England are the reigning world champions in both the 20 and 50-over games, with Stokes one of the golden threads linking the thrilling 2019 triumph at Lord’s and this one.
England captain Jos Buttler kisses the World Cup trophy after his team’s triumph over Pakistan
‘He is the ultimate competitor in anything he does,’ Buttler said on Sky Sports.
‘He has a lot of experience to bank on as well, he can take a lot on his shoulders. At times you’re thinking it must be time for him to go and get us over that line but he timed it perfectly.
‘The impetus him and Moeen Ali brought to the game took it away from Pakistan.’
Reflecting on a tournament Down Under that hadn’t been short of difficulty, not least after a defeat to Ireland in a rain-affected group-stage match, Buttler added: ‘I am just immensely proud of everyone here.
‘It has been a long journey with a few changes in how we’ve played in the last few years and we are reaping the rewards of that.
‘It has been a fantastic tournament. We have been away a long time, we went to Pakistan before coming here, which was a really valuable time for the group.
‘This felt a long way away from the Ireland match here but the character we showed from that point on in must-win games every time was amazing.
‘The Ireland game was a really tough one to take but we improved game on game and peaked at the right time.’
Buttler rightly praised the bowling performances of Sam Curran, whose three wickets ensured he was named player of the World Cup, and Adil Rashid, whose wicket maiden stalled Pakistan’s progress.
‘Sam Curran has had the most outstanding tournament, he led the attack really well, bowled the tough overs and we’ve all jumped on the back of that,’ Buttler said.
‘That was a huge swing in the game and a fantastic over from Adil. The last three games especial he has been outstanding.
‘He has always been the guy we throw the ball to to make things happen and his performance was outstanding.’
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