Share

Stokes' message to Archer before Super Over

accreditation
Jofra Archer (Getty)
Jofra Archer (Getty)

London - Ben Stokes' heroic efforts for England in Sunday's ridiculous Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand deservedly saw him win the man-of-the-match award. 

His 84* (98) was an innings of the highest quality given the circumstances, and a drained Stokes marched out to the middle once more for the Super Over after the match had ended in a tie and again delivered the goods. 

It was a Herculean effort from the 28-year-old, but he wasn't the only one who had to produce under pressure. 

Jofra Archer made his ODI debut for England just over two months ago, yet in front of a packed Lord's crowd on Sunday, he found himself given the responsibility of bowling England to a first ever World Cup victory. 

The Barbadian-born 24-year-old is known to be a calm and collected customer, but when he had to defend 15 in New Zealand's Super Over, he would have been tested in a way he hadn't been before. 

Somehow, despite being plastered for six over midwicket by Jimmy Neesham, Archer held his nerve at the back-end of the over to see the scores tied once again and England crowned champions. 

England have waited 44 years for this moment, and Archer has strolled in and taken just 14 ODIs to help win them a World Cup. 

Speaking to media at Lord's after the match, Archer revealed a message he had received from Stokes just before going out to bowl the Super Over.

"Before we started, Stokes came to me and said that win or lose today, this doesn't define you as a player," Archer explained.

"I guess him being in a similar situation a couple of years ago, I think he wanted to come and tell me that it wouldn't be the end of the world if we lose.

"I don't think I was too nervous."

Archer was referring to the final of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata in 2016, where West Indies' Carlos Brathwaite hit Stokes four sixes in the last over of the match to secure an incredible win.

Archer will now almost certainly be included in England's squad for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia, but for now he is not getting too carried away.

"I just want to enjoy this with the fellas ... we'll worry about the Ashes when it comes," he said.

"This is more for the team than for me. 

"I've just come into this team as the last person when they have been here for four years, so helpfully this will help me get deeper into the team."

The Ashes start on August 1.

@LloydBurnard is in England covering the 2019 Cricket World Cup for Sport24 ... 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()