The forecasters got it wrong and England got it right, as the predicted downpour held off and it was Jos Buttler’s side who reigned in Melbourne. And inevitably it was Ben Stokes, a man who always manages to crowbar his way into a big occasion, who scored the winning run as England sealed victory by five wickets, and a second T20 World Cup title, with an over to spare.
It was Stokes, when England last reached a T20 World Cup final in 2016, who bowled the catastrophic final over that cost his side the title. It was Stokes, when England won the 50-over title in 2019, who produced the miracle innings that kept them in the game. And it was Stokes, picking the ultimate moment to score his first international T20 half-century, who ultimately won his side this one. He is a magnificent cricketer, and also an irredeemable drama magnet.
