The incident involving Stokes was a blessing in disguise: Strauss
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) director Andrew Strauss described how the team resurrected following the 2017 incident involving Ben Stokes. He revealed that the gruesome proceeding led to a lot of disruption, but in turn, transformed the team culture. As a result, England went on to win the 2019 World Cup, their first ever title in the tournament's history. Here is more.
The incident improved the team culture
"What happened with Ben Stokes was a blessing in disguise because it helped the players appreciate the culture. They realised it's not one of those things which either takes us close to winning or takes us away from it," Strauss revealed on Sky Sports podcast.
Stokes faced disciplinary action after the brawl
England all-rounder Ben Stokes was involved in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017. He was accused of knocking down two men outside the club. Stokes was later axed from England's squad for the impending Ashes Tour in Australia. The 28-year-old returned to the national side in February 2018 and was cleared of the affray charges later that year.
Stokes led England's World Cup 2019 campaign
Stokes staged a stellar comeback in the home Test series against India (2018). The southpaw scored 200 runs and claimed 14 scalps across four Tests. However, 2019 was his breakthrough year, wherein he led England to a historic World Cup title. His unbeaten 135, which handed England an esoteric victory in the third Ashes Test, was deemed knock of the year.
Stokes was the ICC Player of the Year
Stokes was named the ICC Player of the Year (2019) for his all-round display throughout the season. In 31 internationals, he racked up 1,540 runs at 51.33 and scalped 34 wickets. He was adjudged Man of the Match in the WC final, having scored 84*.
The incident propelled England in a positive direction
Strauss reiterated how the entire incident united the whole team. "So we had Joe Root and Eoin Morgan buying into it and the England players took it seriously and by the time the World Cup came there were these set of rules," he said. He added, "That you were not just judged by your performance but also how you were as an England players."
