Ben Stokes insists this is still England’s World Cup

June 26 - All-Rounder Ben Stokes promised England fans his team-mates would not take a backward step as they soak up the disappointment of losing to their great rivals Australia at Lord’s. Stokes pl

"We've got a great record against India in England, but we'll just have to wait and see what conditions we’re faced with, but they are another team who are in good form, so hopefully we can bring our best game."

Once again, England certainly missed their injured opener Jason Roy but Stokes offered support for replacement James Vince, who suffered a second ball duck, following previous innings of 14 and 26.

“Obviously, losing a player of Jason's class and form, it is tough. But the back-up batsmen we have, in terms of James Vince coming in, he is a phenomenal player,” he said.

Sometimes, though, you just have to tip your hat to a world-class bowler. After Mitchell Starc’s beauty to end his innings, Stokes said ruefully: “It was a good ball, yeah, a 90mph reverse-swing yorker…”

---

ICC