England is the home of cricket. It is where Cricket took birth. The English, being the founder of the game, enjoyed superiority over other teams in the first few decades. However, the game being too enticing, other nations quickly evolved and learned the game.
After the advent of the Cricket World Cups, England strived for glory but could not grasp victory. They lost the final in 1979 when AIV Richards proved too good for them. In 1987 the reverse sweep of the then captain of England Mike Gatting proved too costly for them. In 1992, England had no answer to Pakistani sensation Wasim Akram. It was 3 years back on the same date under the captaincy of Eoin Morgan, that England quenched their thirst for glory. On this 3rd anniversary let us have a look at some factors that contributed towards crowning England champions.
1. Backing the Irishman
In CWC 2015, England was knocked out in the group stages. They were thrashed in the backyard of their most bitter rival Australia. They were beaten in a virtual Quarter Final by Bangladesh.
England was down and out. But the then management backed Eoin Morgan. Eoin then changed the ways England played. He brought in players like Roy and Bairstow in batting and added players like Plunket, Rashid, and Woods to his bowling roster. From playing orthodox cricket, they went on to playing aggressive cricket from the word go.
2. With momentum and at home
England was high on momentum. They had beaten Pakistan and India before the World cup. They scored and chased targets above 350 now and then. Their batsmen were in the form of their lives. Their spin twins were working and their fast bowlers were performing well with both new and old balls.
One of the most important factors was the luxury of home conditions. In 1999, it was the first ODI World Cup to be played in England. So, they had the perfect exploitation of the home turf to great results. Their home conditions perfectly suited their aggressive approach.
3. The immigrant effect
England has a very lucrative social system in every aspect. Their top-class facilities combined with every type of opportunity attract people from every corner of the world. This contributed to strengthening the English side.
There were at least 7 players of the English world Cup winning squad who traced their roots to other countries. Archer was not expected to play at the World Cup. However, an amendment in citizenship law helped him to creep into the squad. This move proved to be decisive for the English side. Stokes was a Kiwi by birth. Aged 14 he migrated to the island of three lions.
Eoin Morgan was also an Irishman and played in his initial years. Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali both were of Pakistani origin. Jason Roy is a Protea by birth. Probably the reason for him to play fast bowlers with such authority.
4. Jack of all trades
Ben Stokes was the go-to person for Eoin Morgan. He was England’s answer to every problem. A man of sheer prudence and an out-and-out fighter. A man who could fit into any combination.
In the wake of great need, it was Ben Stokes who answered the call. In the final, Boult was at the top of his game. Colin was bowling tight lines. English batsmen collapsed one after the other. But Big Ben stood under extreme pressure. He scored 84* and took the match super over. He smashed a 6 to take England home.
