The summer that saved English cricket

"I have never, as a player or a commentator, experienced a summer like this." I could not agree with Jonathan Agnew more.

A sport slowly deteriorating and commonly labelled as 'boring' and 'out-dated' by those outside the sphere of its hardcore supporters': the summer of 2019 will go down in history for many reasons but most notably for the heroics of a certain ginger who saved cricket for this country.

The English July sunshine was present and sweet Caroline was belted from the stands of lords.

With England all but out at 86-4 in the World Cup final against a revitalised New Zeland side, up steps 'sir' Ben Stokes. The New Zealand born, who was hit for four sixes in the final over in England's 2016 World T20 final defeat, took the game by the scruff of the neck like a true Englishman. A freak series of events with Trent Boult carrying Stokes' six over the boundary and the collapse of Woakes. Plunkett and Archer was followed by a huge slice of fortune sent from the heavens. After Stokes heaved one out of the mid-wicket and chasing two runs; a supermanesque dive resulted in his bat striking the ball from the Kiwi's fielding, deflecting the ball for four- making it a six-run play.

The home of cricket would now be treated to a super over, for the first time in the competition's history after Stokes' 84 not out. His 8 in the super over alongside Buttler's 7 gave England a strong 15 runs. With Jimmy Neesham hitting Archer's second ball for six, Martin Guptill needed 2 from the last delivery to win. Today would be England's day. Jason Roy's throw from deep mid-wicket found its way into Buttler's mid rift to the smash the bails off the stumps and send Lords into pure hysteria. Morgan, the architect, goes down in English cricket folklore. Lifting the World Cup for England placing him in the renowned company of Bobby more and Martin Johnson who have achieved the same feat.

It is sometimes easy to get caught in the moment and overstate these types of sporting moments. After time to digest this time in history, it is important to stress that those who were present at Lords that day were a part of history. They witnessed the greatest World Cup final of all time and one of the most memorable moments in British sporting history- cricket coming home.

The summer wasn't over, next was the Ashes and a certain Ben Stokes wasn't finished just yet. With England 1-0 down to the Aussies in the series, the English needed a draw in the 3rd test to stand any chances of regaining the Ashes and to save their blushes on home soil.

Once again up sets 'Bat man' Ben Stokes to single handily orchestrate the greatest test innings of all time, along with the help of his 'Robin-like-sidekick' Jack Leach. When Stokes was joined by the last man leach with 72 runs still needed, no one gave them a chance and the Ashes looked as if it was staying in Australia. Many superlatives have been used to describe his innings but Stokes' 135 not out to lead England to victory might never be seen again in these circumstances. The pressure he must have felt is unrivalled, the weight of the nation on his shoulders the expectations growing- this is what made his innings even more remarkable. Marcus Harris' drop off Stokes and Nathan Lyons' fumbled run out make the innings even more memorable.

As English cricketing fans, we have been grateful to have witnessed two outstanding finishes last summer and we all have Stokes to thank for a summer of brilliance. A man who's had his ups and downs in the least few years, to say the least his nightclub incident in Bristol is a prime example. Nevertheless, he has more than made up for it in saving a historically English sport. All I have got left to now do is doff my cap to you Stokesy.

Jack Naisbitt

More can be found on all things sport, politics and music over on Jack's blog https://wetrainydays.wordpress.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj9xPsdcxJM