New Delhi, April 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel showered praise on England tearaway pacer Mark Wood, who picked up the first fifer of the IPL 2023 season, and applauded the plans he executed in rattling Delhi Capitals batters, especially with the way he got out opener Prithvi Shaw.

In defence of 193 for the Lucknow Super Giants, Wood, playing just his second IPL game, delivered one of the most scorching spells of fast-bowling in T20 cricket in recent times, as his 5/14 left Delhi in disarray and restricting them to 143/9, to set up a 50-run victory for his team.

At the start of his spell, Wood began by softening Shaw with the bouncer. After two more back of the length deliveries in the fifth over, Wood went fuller and stormed through Shaw's defence with a beautiful in-ducker and then got out Mitchell Marsh on the very next ball in the same fashion to leave Delhi in trouble early in the game.

"We must applaud Mark Wood's plans and the way he dismissed Prithvi Shaw, as we have seen him get out like this in previous IPLs and international matches as well where there is always a gap between his bat and pad, and Wood bowled at him in that length continuously. You are given 24 bowls in total and taking five wickets in a T20 match is equivalent to scoring 100 runs," Patel was quoted as saying by JioCinema.

Apart from Wood, West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers slammed an explosive 38-ball 73 and was well-supported by cameos of 36 and 18 from Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni.

Suresh Raina, the former India cricketer who won four IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings, highlighted how Pooran and Badoni proved to be crucial in getting a match-winning score for Lucknow.

"The way he (Kyle Mayers) was hitting the ball, powerful shots off Axar Patel and Kuldeep (Yadav), who are both very successful bowlers, was truly admirable. It was a good fifty to score. In spite of that, the way Badoni and Nicholas Pooran finished the game, with these small cameos of 25-30 runs helped them get from 155 runs to near 190 runs (193)," Raina said.

Patel also pointed out how Delhi missed their star player Rishabh Pant during the match against Lucknow.

"Delhi must have missed Rishabh Pant - the batter, the wicketkeeper and the captain. You cannot replace a player like him. But from Delhi's perspective, they will need to figure out who will come and inspire them after this huge defeat. This will put a huge dent on their net run rate as well," he said.

Lucknow's next match in IPL 2023 will be against Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, while Delhi will play their first home game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium against defending champions Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.

Source: IANS

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By Biswa Bhusan Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar, Nov 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Odisha government has estimated to spend nearly Rs 1,100 crore for organising the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in January 2023.

The state government had invested only Rs 66.98 crore in hosting the last Hockey World Cup in 2018. However, this time, the outlay has been enhanced by 16 times to Rs 1,098.40 crore.

In 2018, the World Cup matches were organised only in Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Hockey stadium. However, this time, Rourkela's newly constructed Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium will share the hosting with Bhubaneswar.

According to official sources, out of the total outlay of Rs 1,098.40 crore, the state is spending Rs 1,010 crore in development of the Birsa Munda Hockey stadium and peripheral area in the Rourkela city.

Highest amount of Rs 875.78 crore is being invested in building of the new stadium at Rourkela, which is at final stage of construction. While Rs 84 crore is being spent on construction of accommodation buildings, Rs 10.50 crore earmarked for peripheral development work in Rourkela and Rs 13 crore for electrical works in Birsa Munda Hockey stadium.

Similarly, the government has provided Rs 17.50 crore to Hockey India for putting synthetic turfs in both Rourkela and Bhubaneswar stadiums.

The government will also spend Rs 75 crore on venue management, accommodation, transportation and media publicity.

Besides, the state will spend Rs 9.15 crore on development of a swimming pool in Rourkela, Rs 5.39 crore for installing flood light in Kalinga stadium and Rs 8 crore in extension of west stand of the stadium, as per the estimation made by state Sports department.

In 2018, out of total expenditure of Rs 66.98 crore, the Odisha government had deposited Rs 25 crore as presenting partner rights fee to Hockey India/FIH (International Hockey Federation). Only Rs 18.89 crore was spent on venue and event management in the previous World Cup. The remaining expenditure had been incurred on transportation, accommodation, publicity and others.

The state government, which is sponsoring the national hockey teams since 2018, has taken a number of projects to ensure that the marquee event is even bigger and better than its previous edition.

To make the tournament memorable for both the participating teams and also common citizens, the state is going to organise several mega sporting and cultural events across the state.

The World Cup will be organised from January 13 to 29 next year in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

Source: IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Nov 17 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Birsamunda International Hockey Stadium, where FIH Hockey Men's World Cup Hockey 2023 will be hosted along Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, will be ready by November 30, Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra said on Thursday.

Leading a three-member high-level team, Mahapatra visited the hockey stadium and proposed airport site in Rourkela city, and took stock of the progress of work at the two big projects.

After reviewing the work, he said the construction of the Birsamunda International Hockey Stadium and also airport is in its final stage. "We hope that the work will be completed at the stadium and airport by this month end," he said.

The turf has been laid in the main and practice stadium. The work of the visitors' gallery and 225 accommodation rooms for players and officials to stay is going to be completed soon, he said.

Mahapatra said pro-league matches between hockey teams from India and other countries would be organised after the work is completed to test the new turf and practice ground.

A modern parking place is being developed around the stadium to accommodate a maximum number of vehicles as a large number of spectators are expected to visit the stadium to watch the hockey world cup, being organised for the first time in Rourkela, he stated.

In addition to it, arrangements have been made for drinking water and toilets inside the stadium. Direct charter flights will be arranged by the Odisha government for the smooth movements of players from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela, the Chief Secretary said.

Steps are being taken to put up LED screens at strategic places of the steel city for the people who could not make it to the stadium to watch the matches.

The expansion of the Rourkela airport is going on very fast. The works for development of roads connecting to the stadium, the road to the airport, ring road and other beautification projects are going on full swing, the Chief Secretary added.

The Men's FIH World Cup Hockey, 2023 is scheduled to be held in the stadium along with Kalinga Stadium here from January 13 to 29 next year. Around 20 matches will be played at Rourkela.

Source: IANS

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By Chetan Sharma

New Delhi, Nov 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) After all, it's just a game! This is how the Indian fans console themselves whenever their cricket team loses any major tournament or match, especially if it is against arch-rivals Pakistan.

It can be said for the neighbouring nation as well, as for both the countries cricket is above everything. By everything means food, education, jobs, corruption -- particularly on those days when their team is playing.

Well, let's back to cricket crazy nation India, the people here are now trying to calm their hearts out following Rohit Sharma-led side's humiliating 10-wicket defeat in ICC T20 World Cup semis against England.

The defeat not only broke the Men-in-blues dream but also of the millions of fans.

Post-mortems have already been done by cricket experts/pundits about India's debacle in the T20 World Cup.. Some favour change in helm, some suggested time should be given to Rohit. But the next T20 World Cup is in 2024, so in any case the team would be new considering the age of many senior cricketers like Rohit, Virat Kohli and others of similar age.

Now the question basically arises is if the fans of team India demand more? Or it is actually right to believe and accept from such a side which has got everything: fame, name, IPL, money, foreign tours. Just like no pressure on mind, which most of the other disciplines' athletes have in their heads.

Speaking to IANS, a former cricketer on condition of anonymity said, "winning and losing is part of the game, but humiliation is something which actually breaks everybody's heart. Yes, it is difficult to win every match, but fighting spirit should be there."

"Look at the Pakistan side, they play their hearts out in every match. For them it is always a do-or-die game, whereas our players just took it casually it seems (in semifinal). Questions should be asked and slamming them is not wrong but that needs to be done professionally, no personal attack would benefit our side," he emphasised.

The 'fear of failure' attitude of Team India needs to be examined by the management properly and a plan should be made accordingly for future ICC tournaments.

Cricket fanatics on social media are currently going brutal over the performance of Indian cricketers. One can imagine what the players must be going through, because they are at the receiving end. But when they get loved beyond expectation then hatred too becomes an automatic part.

A doctor, who gives advice to budding cricketers on mental strength, told the agency that "fans need to understand that anything in excess is not good. Whether love or hate. Look at the foreign teams England, Australia, and New Zealand."

"They also have fans there in their countries. But they watch it as 'just a game'. Not a religion or anything else for them. We Indians or Pakistanis make it a battle ground. Media dig stories to see if interesting and eye-catching headlines will be given. We make it more than cricket, and then if our team loses, we go mad. So accepting defeat becomes difficult," he added.

Just to conclude, Pakistan lost the finals of the T20 World Cup on Sunday and so far the fans are praising their fighting spirit against England. "Congrats England, hard luck Pakistan," said one on Twitter.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Nov 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Homegrown sports tech platform Dream Sports on Wednesday announced it has raised $840 million, led by Falcon Edge, DST Global, D1 Capital, Redbird Capital and Tiger Global, at an $8 billion valuation.

With an existing user base of 140 million in India, the company has brands such as Dream Capital, FanCode, Dream11, DreamSetGo, Dream Game Studios, and DreamPay in its portfolio.

The fresh funding round also saw participation from existing investors like TPG and Footpath Ventures, the company said in a statement.

"Our vision and mission is to create an entrepreneur-led virtuous cycle of investment, innovation and wealth creation for all stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, from fans to athletes, teams and leagues," said Harsh Jain, CEO and Co-Founder, Dream Sports.

Earlier this year, Dream Sports announced a corpus of $250 million through its CVC and M&A arm, Dream Capital.

Dream Capital has built an initial portfolio of 10 companies, largely focusing on early-stage investments in India, including, Fittr, SoStronk, KheloMore and Elevar.

Dream Capital is now expanding its sports, fan engagement and fitness portfolio in India and globally, the company said.

"We're excited to partner with the Dream Sports family in their vision of building the leading end-to-end sports tech company in India," said Rahul Mehta, Managing Partner at DST Global.

Founded in 2008 by Jain and Bhavit Sheth, Dream Sports is located in Mumbai and employs close to 1,000 people.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, March 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) Members of the Indian team, who have had a hectic season so far and will continue to play non-stop cricket through this year, are going to get very little break going into the Indian Premier League (IPL) that starts on April 9.

The India-England ODI series that ends on March 28 will signal the end of an exhausting four-month international calendar for India. During this period, India played two major opponents -- Australia and England in full-fledged series.

However, within nine days of the ongoing ODI series finishing, India players will get into IPL mode, playing the lucrative but taxing tournament for over 50 days.

The Lodha Committee recommendations, which were tabled with a view to reform Indian cricket and sanitise the calendar, had suggested a 15-day gap between an international series and IPL, both at the start and at the end.

"The BCCI should ensure that at least 15 days gap is provided between the IPL season and the national calendar," said the Lodha Committee's recommendations.

Although it didn't find its way into the BCCI constitution, it was largely accepted that the break would provide the much-needed relief to the exhausted India players and help in workload management of the cricketers.

But it has been rarely followed. While the 2020 IPL was rescheduled for later part of the year due to Covid-19 pandemic and players were able to get the necessary break due to no cricketing activities prior to the IPL and the quarantine in Australia post the tournament.

In 2019 though, there was again just a nine-day break before the IPL. The Committee of Administrators, which was in charge of the BCCI, had informed the Supreme Court that they were doing it in view of the general elections that year.

In 2018, however, the recommendations were followed and there was more than 15 days of break between the IPL and international series.

In 2017 though, it hadn't been followed.

While the BCCI has given no reason for this, the tight scheduling of successive series due to the Covid-19 pandemic is believed to be the reason.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, March 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) The brand value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) went down for the first time in six years - by 3.6 per cent over one year. From Rs 47,500 crore in 2019, it fell to Rs 45,800 crore in 2020, the first decline since 2014, a report said on Wednesday.

And in terms of US dollars, IPL ecosystem valuation in 2019 was $6,780 million while in 2020 it was $6,190 million -- a change of 8.7 per cent, from Duff & Phelps, a Kroll Business, which specialises in brand valuation, said in its report.

"Year 2020 was a challenging one with economic distress and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sports economy was not immune to this crisis, and the pandemic disrupted the sporting calendar for the year, with a string of tournaments being postponed or cancelled."

IPL was relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the Indian government had paused sporting activities due to Covid-19. But the Indian cricket board was keen to organise the IPL, and that's why the tournament was shifted, like it did in 2009, when it was played in South Africa.

"The IPL also felt the heat of the pandemic, and the findings of the seventh edition of this annual IPL study suggest that the IPL ecosystem value has decreased by 3.6 per cent in constant currency terms to Rs 45,800 crore from Rs 47,500 crore last year," said the report.

Duff & Phelps undertook a study during the initial lockdown period (April 2020) to analyse the initial impact of COVID-19 on the value of the IPL ecosystem, which was estimated in the IPL Brand Valuation Report 2019. Based on the scenarios it considered, the IPL ecosystem value was estimated to be impacted by nearly $1 billion only due to cancellation and without capturing the impact of the economic slowdown that might follow.

"In our impact study, we had mentioned that depending on the extent of the post COVID-19 slowdown, most sponsorship contracts may get renegotiated next year, as the spending power of the advertisers and sponsors is likely to be impacted by the economic slowdown," Duff & Phelps said.

This does appear to have played out when Vivo decided to pull out of the title sponsorship at the last moment, and IPL had to scramble to get a new sponsor at the eleventh hour. The new sponsor entered at a steep discount, and the IPL had to take a hit of Rs 218 crore in sponsorship revenues.

In 2020, the IPL had lower sponsorship revenues as compared to previous years. Much of this is attributed to Vivo pulling out of the title sponsorship deal and being replaced by Dream11. Dream11 paid Rs 222 crore for the season, as against Vivo's cancelled contract of Rs 440 crore/season for the IPL title sponsorship.

The individual franchisees have also witnessed a reduction in their brand values over the last year, mainly due to reduced franchisee-related sponsorship revenue, loss of gate receipts, reduced food and beverage (F&B) revenue and certain teams' on-field performances.

The report further stated that champions Mumbai Indians remained the most valuable franchise with a brand value of Rs 761 crore. However, this is down by 5.9 per cent from Rs 809 crore in 2019.

The highest drop in brand value was suffered by three-time champions Chennai Super Kings, who were evaluated at Rs 611 crore which is down 16.5 per cent from Rs 732 crore after IPL 2019. Kolkata Knight Riders have seen the second highest brand reduction at 13.7 per cent from Rs 629 crore after IPL 2019 to Rs 543 crore last year.

"Similar to the impact on other businesses and the overall economy, the pandemic led to a decline in the IPL ecosystem value. However, with people forced to spend time at home, there was an increase in IPL television viewership. The 2020 edition was a huge success for broadcasters as it broke viewership and advertising revenue records. Television ratings skyrocketed and advertisers tapped into this opportunity to scale up their brand image. Despite the challenging year, this momentum is indicative of how strong the IPL brand has become," said Santosh N., External Advisor, Duff & Phelps India Pvt Ltd.

However, IPL's impact on its sponsors and partners continues to be remarkable, said the report. Following the announcement of central sponsorships by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the title sponsor Dream11 secured USD 225 million in funding, one of the official sponsors Unacademy joined in with a funding of USD 150 million, and another official sponsor, Cred, secured USD 80 million.

"With the economy opening and Covid-19 cases decreasing in India, we expect sponsorship deals to be back to their pre-COVID-19 levels. We have now entered a more stable phase in terms of the IPL ecosystem's value; the value appreciation is not expected at the rate of previous years. However, an increase in the number of teams in 2022 and the renewal of media rights in 2023 could enhance the IPL ecosystem value in the future," Santosh said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) The Tiger population in India has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

"Nine long years ago, it was decided in St. Petersburg that the target of doubling the tiger population would be 2022. We in India completed this target four years early," He said releasing the results of the fourth cycle of All India Tiger Estimation at his official residence here.

"The results of the just declared tiger census would make every Indian, every Nature lover happy," he added.

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New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Still coming to terms with the heart-wrenching loss at the 2019 World Cup finals, New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill feels the summit clash against England was both the best and worst day of his cricketing career.

"Hard to believe it's been a week since that incredible Final at Lords. I think it was both the best and worst day of my cricketing life! So many different emotions, but mainly proud to represent New Zealand and play for the Black Caps alongside a great group of mates. Thank you to everyone for all your support, it has been amazing," Guptill said in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday.

The New Zealand opener was involved in probably two of the most important moments of the July 14 final at Lord's, the result of which was eventually decided on boundary count after both the teams could not be separated after the end of the allotted 100 overs and the subsequent Super Overs.

It was Guptill's throw which hit the bat of Ben Stokes that went for a boundary in the 50th over during England's chase of 242. The umpire had awarded six runs to the England team which turned the course of the game towards the hosts.

In the Super Over, Guptill was run-out on the last ball chasing England's target of 16. The Super Over also ended in a tie, denying Black Caps the chance to lift their first World Cup trophy.

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Wellington, July 18 (IANS) New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, who is still trying to coming to terms with the gut-wrenching defeat to England in the World Cup final, believes the feeling after the loss will not disappear in the coming days.

A sombre group of Black Caps consisting Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Colin Munro, Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner touched down on home soil on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at the Auckland International Airport, Boult said he was still thinking about the last over of the World Cup final where the deflection off Ben Stokes's bat raced to the boundary and helped send the summit clash into a Super Over before England claimed the win on the total boundaries scored at Lord's.

"I'm living the last over in my mind a lot. Somehow I got hit for six along the ground which has never happened before ... I'd love it to sink in so we can get over it," stuff.co.nz quoted Boult as saying.

"It was an amazing stage to be on. It could have been us, but unfortunately it wasn't," he added.

James Anderson, Stokes' Test team-mate, has, however, revealed that the all-rounder, who was hugely apologetic the moment the incident happened, had appealed to the umpires to overturn their decision.

Boult further revealed that he was not aware of the fact that there would be a Super Over until the second to last ball of the game.

"When I saw three off two, that's when the umpires told me there would be a Super Over. Crazy game to be a part of," he said.

"It's not going to be something that disappears over the next couple of days. It'll be something that's hard to swallow over the next couple of years.

"Obviously we're all hurting," he added.

Earlier, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern praised Kane Williamson's men for putting up a brave fight on the sport's biggest stage.

While posting an image from the game on her Instagram account, Ardern also joked that her country must have aged a year watching the thrilling Super Over.

"That was undeniably an incredible game. I think as a nation we all aged a year in that super over. Congratulations to England. And to the Black Caps, I feel nothing but pride. What a team," wrote Arden.

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London, July 18 (IANS) "Your game was appreciated by all and you had a great World Cup," said Sachin Tendulkar to Kane Williamson while handing him the Player of the Tournament trophy after New Zealand lost a thrilling final of the 2019 edition of the showpiece event.

On July 14, England defeated New Zealand in a thrilling final on boundary count to clinch their first ever World Cup trophy. The Kiwis missed their chance of lifting the World Cup trophy at the Lord's balcony due to inferior boundary count after both the 50 overs and the Super Over ended in ties.

And at the post-match presentation ceremony, Tendulkar did not mention anything about the ill luck, the Super Over or the boundary count rule which denied Williamson the opportunity to have his hands on the coveted trophy.

Williamson scored 578 runs in the tournament -- the most by a captain in a World Cup -- and Tendulkar said it was the calm demeanour of the Black Caps skipper which was responsible for his success.

"The best thing about Williamson is ability to stay calm. He doesn't lose his composure in any circumstance. It was unfortunate that he could not win the World Cup but it did not reflect on his face," Tendulkar told 100Mb.

The legendary Indian batsman said Williamson has a unique style of captaincy. "Williamson sees the game from an entirely different perspective. His field placements, bowling changes while defending a low score are commendable. Even when (Ravindra) Jadeja was playing big shots in semi-final, he was calm and in the end, the result was in his favour."

The 46-year-old named Williamson the captain of his favourite XI of the 2019 World Cup, which includes five Indians.

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Wellington, July 18 (IANS) Former Auckland Grammar School teacher and coach David James Gordon breathed his last moments after New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham hit a maximum during the Super Over in a thrilling World Cup final against England.

On July 14, England defeated New Zealand in a thrilling final on boundary count to clinch their first ever World Cup trophy. The Kiwis missed their chance of lifting the World Cup trophy at the Lord's balcony due to inferior boundary count after both the 50 overs and the Super Over ended in ties.

Gordon's daughter Leonie said the moment Neesham hit a six on the second ball in the Super Over on Monday morning (New Zealand time), while chasing England's score of 15, her father stopped breathing.

"One of the nurses came in for the final over, the super over, and she said his breathing is changing," Leonie was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

"You know, I think Jimmy Neesham had just hit that six and he took his last breath.

"He has a quirky sense of humour and he was a real character and he would have loved the fact that he did that," she added.

"Dave Gordon, my High School teacher, coach and friend. Your love of this game was infectious, especially for those of us lucky enough to play under you. How appropriate you held on until just after such a match. Hope you were proud. Thanks for everything. RIP," Neesham tweeted on Thursday paying a rich tribute to his coach.

Leonie was heartened to see the all-rounder's tribute and said her father would have been too. "It was lovely, you know, he's kept in touch with Jimmy and he is friends with Jimmy's father. He always had a soft spot for Jimmy Neesham, he was very proud of him.

"He would definitely be following his career."

Gordon coached Neesham, Lockie Ferguson and numerous other high school students during his stint for more than 25-years as a teacher and cricket and hockey coach at Auckland Grammar.

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London, July 17 (IANS) Amid the furore over umpires call to give an extra run when a throw struck Ben Stokes' bat in the World Cup final, it has now come to light that the all-rounder had asked the umpires to take away the four overthrows which ultimately proved to be decisive in England's win over New Zealand.

During the final over in England's chase of 241 on Sunday at Lord's, Stokes accidentally knocked the ball coming in from deep midwicket fielder and deflected it off to the third man boundary, while attempting to dive for his crease with an outstretched bat in a bid to complete his second run.

After consultation with Marais Erasmus and the rest of his umpiring colleagues, Kumar Dharmasena signalled six runs for the incident, meaning that England -- who by then seemed to be drifting out of contention needing nine runs from three balls -- were suddenly right back in the hunt for their World Cup glory needing three more from two.

James Anderson, Stokes' Test team-mate, has revealed that the all-rounder, who was hugely apologetic the moment the incident happened, had appealed to the umpires to overturn their decision.

"The etiquette in cricket is if the ball is thrown at the stumps and it hits you and goes into a gap in the field you don't run," Sydney Morning Herald quoted Anderson as telling BBC's Tailenders podcast.

"But if it goes to the boundary, in the rules it's four and you can't do anything about it.

"I think, talking to Michael Vaughan who saw him after the game, Ben Stokes actually went to the umpires and said, 'Can you take that four runs off. We don't want it'.

"But it's in the rules and that's the way it is," he added.

Former Australian umpire Simon Taufel has described the costly ruling in the World Cup final as a "clear mistake".

"They (England) should have been awarded five runs, not six," Taufel told foxsports.com.au.

"It's a clear mistake and it's an error of judgment," he added.

However, the ICC said the umpires took decisions on the field based on their interpretation of the rules, and the cricket body would not comment on the episode.

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London, July 17 (IANS) Andrew Strauss, England team director, is all praise for captain Eoin Morgan, saying he has climbed Everest -- the highest mountain in the world -- by winning the World Cup 2019.

On July 14, Morgan-led England ended the 44-year-old drought to become world champions when they defeated New Zealand on boundary count in the summit clash of the 2019 edition of the showpiece event.

"The question for him is what he wants to achieve here," ESPNcricinfo quoted Strauss as saying, "because he has climbed Everest. That is the question for all the players, because we have made mistakes in the past. We've won Ashes series and got to No.1 in the world and thought that was the end in itself.

"We have to find a way of making this a launchpad for something bigger and better and that is a huge challenge," added Strauss.

The former England skipper also said that it's upto Morgan to decide whether he wants to lead the side or not.

"I certainly hope that what he is doing right now, unless he is absolutely clear he wants to carry on, is just taking a bit of time to reflect where he is at," said Strauss.

"To stay on as captain he needs to be driven and motivated to push people on as he has done over the last four years and if he has the bit between his teeth then we've seen just what a fantastic leader he is," he added.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler, who is currently vice-captain in all three formats, is Morgan's most likely successor. He has previously led the side in six ODIs and four T20Is.

On Monday, Buttler said there was "no reason" why Morgan should not stay on as captain. "There is plenty of life in him yet," he said. "I hope (he carries on). He has done an incredible job. He is the best captain we've ever had and all of us love playing under him. We are all very hopeful."

England will now shift their focus to Test cricket as they will face arch-rivals Australia in the five-match Ashes Series beginning August 1.

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New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) Former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori feels the Black Caps should be proud of their journey in the recently concluded World Cup and take the positives of the game ahead.

In his column for the International Cricket Council (ICC), Vettori praised both England and New Zealand for showing a good fight in the final of the showpiece event.

"Both teams were incredible, each had times where they were on top and in control before it was wrestled back, so there were so many parts that you could analyse and deconstruct from the match," he said.

"The New Zealand players will be devastated on their way back home but they should be forever proud of how they performed in the World Cup final," he added.

Further praising the Kiwi players, the spin great said: "Jimmy Neesham did a great job, Lockie Ferguson was in the wickets, Tom Latham played really well with the bat -- there are far more positives than negative to take from this game and the performance."

"The two ties are crazy, but there will be a lot of pride around the performance not only in this game but with the way New Zealand have played throughout the World Cup," he said.

Meanwhile, also lauding England's effort, Vettori felt the hosts were under immense pressure to perform as the tournament was being held in their home.

"They stood up and dominated, they beat the three other semi-finalists in successive games to reach the final and you can't underestimate that type of performance," he added.

"It's the time to celebrate what went right and not focus too heavily on what went wrong," he concluded.

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London, July 16 (IANS) Ashley Giles, Director of England Cricket, is not concerned about the furore regarding the extra run which was awarded to Eoin Morgan's men when a throw struck Ben Stokes' bat during the summit clash of the 2019 World Cup at Lord's.

During the final over in England's chase of 241 on Sunday, Stokes accidentally knocked the ball coming in from deep midwicket fielder and deflected it off to the third man boundary, while attempting to dive for his crease with an outstretched bat in a bid to complete his second run.

After consultation with Marais Erasmus and the rest of his umpiring colleagues, Kumar Dharmasena signalled six runs for the incident.

"Not really," BBC Sport quoted Giles as saying when asked if the controversy mattered to him.

"You could argue the last ball that (Trent) Boult bowled was a full toss on leg stump and if Stokes hadn't just been looking for two he probably would've banged it out of the ground anyway.

"We are world champions; we have got the trophy and we intend to keep it," he added.

Former international umpire Simon Taufel said that the umpires made a mistake while awarding six runs to England, instead of five.

"They (England) should have been awarded five runs, not six," Taufel told foxsports.com.au. "It's a clear mistake. It's an error of judgment," he added.

However, the ICC said the umpires took decisions on the field based on their interpretation of the rules, and the cricket body did not comment on the episode.

According to MCC law 19.8 pertaining to 'overthrow or wilful act of fielder': "If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scored shall be any runs for penalties awarded to either side, and the allowance for the boundary, and the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they had already crossed at the instant of the throw or act."

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New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has named his favourite XI of cricketers who played in the just concluded edition of the World Cup.

Tendulkar's XI, led by Kane Williamson, includes five Indians -- Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. However, he did not include wicketkeeper-batsman M.S. Dhoni in the XI.

Rohit and Jonny Bairstow are the two openers while Williamson comes in at number 3. Kohli is set to bat at number 4 followed by all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Stokes, Pandya and Jadeja. The three pacers in Tendulkar's World Cup XI are Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer and Bumrah.

Earlier, the ICC had also named its World Cup 2019 XI in which only two Indians -- Rohit and Bumrah -- were able to make a cut.

Tendulkar's World Cup 2019 XI: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Virat Kohli, Shakib Al Hasan, Hardik Pandya, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer, Jasprit Bumrah.

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London, July 16 (IANS) Coming to terms with the heart-wrenching defeat against England in the World Cup title clash, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said that "no one lost the final but there was a crowned winner".

On Sunday, Black Caps missed an opportunity to win their first World Cup after losing on boundary count to England in the finals as the match as well as the Super Over ended in ties.

England scored 26 boundaries in total in the entire duration of the match as compared to 17 by the Black Caps and were thus crowned as champions.

"At the end of the day nothing separated us, no one lost the final, but there was a crowned winner and there it is," Williamson told Newstalk ZB on Tuesday.

He said the World Cup final was "pretty tough to get your head around - I think it will take time to reflect with a rational mind".

He said that it was a real good effort from his team to get to the knockout stage. New Zealand, who were cruising at one stage, lost their last three round-robin games and it was on superior net run-rate that they managed to book a place in the semifinals. They then went on defeat India in the semifinals to set up a title date with England.

"It was a really good effort to get knockout stages," he said.

"We were forced to play a style of game because of the conditions and adopted that really well. We thought it took us all the way but it was not to be.

"The rules are the rules and we all try and play by them as did England who also had a very good campaign," the Black Caps skipper added.

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Wellington, July 16 (IANS) The homecoming ceremony for New Zealand's World Cup squad has been put on hold due to some "logical complications".

On Sunday, Kane Williamson's men lost an opportunity to win their first World Cup after they suffered a defeat to England on count of boundaries in the summit clash at Lord's. Both the teams could not be separated after 100 overs and also tied the Super Over, but England lifted the trophy after winning on boundary countback.

On Tuesday, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White said while the team appreciated the enthusiasm from supporters to arrange a parade or function upon their arrival back into the country, the players will not be travelling together as some of them would be remaining in the UK for holidays.

"We've been in conversations with the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Grant Robertson, and are mindful of the Prime Minister's (Jacinda Ardern) enthusiasm for a welcome-home celebration," stuff.co.nz quoted White as saying.

"At the moment, however, with some players arriving back at different times, some not arriving back at all, and others having alternative playing commitments, it's just not practical.

"Hopefully, given the interest surrounding this, we can organise something appropriate in the weeks to come," he added.

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London, July 16 (IANS) New Zealand head coach Gary Stead believes the possibility of sharing the World Cup is something that "should be considered" by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the Black Caps lost to England in the finals of the 2019 World Cup at Lord's.

On Sunday, two dramatic run-outs in the final over of England's innings took the game into a Super Over with the scores tied on 241 after the end of 50 overs against New Zealand. However, with the Super Over also ending in a tie, the winner of the showpiece event was decided by the number of boundaries scored.

England scored 26 boundaries in total in the entire duration of the match as compared to 17 by the Black Caps and were thus crowned as champions.

Asked during a media interaction at the team hotel whether he would have preferred New Zealand being declared joint winners, Stead was open to the suggestion.

"Perhaps when you play over a seven-week period and can't be separated on the final day, that is something should be considered as well," ESPNcricinfo quoted Stead as saying. "But again that's one consideration over a whole lot of things that went on over the World Cup. Everything will be reviewed, and I think that it's a good time to do it now. But probably just let the dust settle for a while."

However, Craig McMillan, New Zealand's batting coach believed that sharing the trophy would have been the "right thing" to do.

"It is not going to change yesterday's result. But what is probably fair to say at the end of seven weeks in a big tournament like this, when you have two teams can't be separated after a 50-over match and then a Super Over and neither team did actually lose in many ways in terms of runs scored," said McMillan.

"Then perhaps sharing the trophy would be the right thing to do. It wasn't to be yesterday, which we all are disappointed with. But it is sport and those were the rules."

Earlier, many former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Dean Jones, Brett Lee, Yuvraj Singh and others criticised the ICC for the boundary rule.

Both Stead and McMillan were confident the ICC would review whether the Super Over was indeed the best way to deal with the scenario like a tie in a World Cup final.

"Small margin this, isn't it? I don't know that rule to be perfectly honest. I have played a lot of games of cricket, watched a lot of cricket -- overthrows have just been added to what has been run as opposed to the point of the throw coming in. So, again, it will be something that will be something debated, discussed, but again it doesn't change the result," said McMillan.

Speaking after the match, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson had also said that it was a "real shame" that the final of the showpiece event was decided in such a way.

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London, July 16 (IANS) In the complete chaos of the final ball of Super Over during the World Cup final, England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler had to stay the most calm among them all.

On Sunday, Buttler had already helped get England to a tie with a run a ball fifty alongside Ben Stokes against New Zealand.

He then returned for England's Super Over and hit seven from three balls, including a final four through midwicket to set the Black Caps 16 to win.

However, Buttler's biggest intervention was still to come, collecting Jason Roy's throw to strand Martin Guptill short and secure England a first men's World Cup crown in their history.

And the 28-year-old was still pinching himself after the celebrations began.

"We were laughing about it in the dressing room, four years came down to one ball," he said.

"Two needed off one ball, we didn't get that. Then it came down to, can we get a run out?

"It's quite nice to know that we will wake up this week and it did happen!

"It was quite an incredible match for a World Cup final to be so close, and somehow we managed to win the game."

So how did the star batsman-wicketkeeper manage to keep his head while all around him were losing theirs?

"It's ok when you are in the middle because you go into default, it is what you know -- playing cricket. Catching the ball and trying to break the stumps, that's what I know but the consequences are a bit larger," he added.

"I remember those ten seconds of running around, the atmosphere is something that will live with me forever.

"When we walked down through the Long Room at the start of the game, the noise before the anthems was deafening.

"I don't think I will ever care about anything ever again! I don't think I will care what happens now in my career!"

The dust has barely settled on this historic and dramatic win over the Black Caps, and there is the small matter of an Ashes still to come this summer.

But for now, Buttler and Co. can allow themselves to simply reflect on the job well done.

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New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is the latest to join the list of people criticising the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the "boundary rule" which helped England win their first men's World Cup.

On Sunday, two dramatic run-outs in the final over of England's innings took the game into a Super Over with the scores tied on 241 after the end of 50 overs against New Zealand at Lord's. However, with the Super Over also ending in a tie, the winner of the showpiece event was decided by the number of boundaries scored.

England scored 26 boundaries in total in the entire duration of the match as compared to 17 by the Black Caps and were thus crowned as champions.

Bachchan took to Twitter to mock the ICC rule and said in Hindi: "You have Rs 2,000, I have Rs 2,000. You have one note of 2,000; I have four notes of 500. Who is richer? ICC: The one who has four notes of 500 is richer."

Actor-turned-politician Paresh Rawal also slammed the sport's governing body and tweeted: Instead of changing M.S. Dhoni gloves, the stupid ICC should have changed their super over rules."

Earlier, many former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, Brett Lee, Yuvraj Singh and others criticised the ICC for the boundary rule.

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London, July 15 (IANS) Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah were the only two Indians to feature in the ICC's World Cup 2019 Team of the Tournament, which didn't have any place for Virat Kohli.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was named the captain of the team while Alex Carey of Asutralia was appointed the wicketkeeper.

India vice-captain Rohit had a World Cup to remember where he not only finished as the highest run-getter (648 runs in nine innings), but also racked up a record five centuries, the most by any batsman in a single World Cup.

India lost to New Zealand in the semifinal where Rohit did not get runs, but personally the Mumbai batsman could not have asked for a better outing.

Coming to Bumrah, the best bowler in white ball cricket at the moment delivered in every single match relentlessly, without dropping his intensity. He took 18 wickets in nine matches, but more importantly returned with an amazing economy rate of 4.41.

Meanwhile, destructive England opener Jason Roy was named as Rohit's opening partner.

Roy's breathtaking batting at the top of the order was one of the main reasons why champions England were such a force in the World Cup. Roy missed three matches in the group stages due to an injury -- against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Australia -- and England lost two of them, against the Lankans and the Aussies.

Once Roy was back against India, there was no looking back for the dashing opener as he overall plundered 443 runs in seven innings with a highest score of 153 at an average of 63.28.

Williamson led from the front and but for the lesser number of boundaries hit by his team against England in the final, the Kiwis could have landed their maiden World Cup title.

Williamson was New Zealand's batting mainstay in the World Cup, amassing 578 runs in nine innings, the most by a captain in a single World Cup, to finish as the fourth highest run-getter in the tournament. He also marshalled his troops admirably, especially in the semifinal against India and in the final against England.

England batting mainstay Joe Root, who scored 556 runs in 11 innings, was also named in the ICC XI, followed by Shakib Al Hasan who had a dream World Cup, scoring 606 runs in 8 innings besides taking 11 wickets.

Player of the final Ben Stokes had to be there after having a stellar World Cup. Stokes will go down in history as one of England's best all-rounders. After all, he managed what even the great Ian Botham failed to achieve in Australia in 1992.

Stokes had a great World Cup where he scored 465 runs in 10 innings and scalped 7 wickets besides taking the catch of the competition in the first match against South Africa.

Australia's wicketkeeper Carey too had a great outing, both behind the stumps and with the bat. He scored 375 runs in 9 innings to seal his place ahead of England's Jos Buttler.

Carey's teammate Mitchell Starc was the other inclusion in the ICC XI. Starc finished as the highest wicket taker in the tournament with 27 scalps from 10 matches.

Jofra Archer (England), Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand) and Bumrah completed the list while Trent Boult of New Zealand was named the 12th man.

ICC World Cup XI:
Rohit Sharma (Ind), Jason Roy (Eng), Kane Williamson (NZ, captain), Joe Root (Eng), Shakib Al Hasan (Ban), Ben Stokes (Eng), Alex Carey (Aus, wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc (Aus), Jofra Archer (Eng), Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Jasprit Bumrah (Ind).

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By Rohit Mundayur

New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) Cheteshwar Pujara on Monday said that for him the 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand did not have a loser. "To be honest, I felt that there was no loser. Because it was a tie, both teams should have been given the trophy," said the 31-year-old batsman.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event here, Pujara said it was upto the International Cricket Council (ICC) to come up with the rules but the result was unfair for New Zealand. "They played so well but England ended up being winners. Ultimately it was a good game of cricket and I am sure that this game will be remembered for years to come," he said.

England and New Zealand played what is being cited as the greatest final in the history of the World Cup. Chasing a target of 242, England looked down and out at 86/4 before Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler's counter-attack brought them close to the target. While Buttler eventually got out on 59, Stokes soldiered on with the lower order and the match went into super over.

England scored 15 runs in their six balls and New Zealand matched that but the hosts won the World Cup on the basis of their superior tally of boundaries in the match. The decision, along with the awarding of six runs instead of five for an overthrow that went to the boundary after a deflection off Stokes during the last over before the Super Over, has come under significant criticism.

Pujara also said that he does not think about whether he deserved to be in Indian World Cup squad as the number four batsman. India's indecisiveness about finalising a player for the spot has been cited as one of the reasons behind them being knocked out by New Zealand in the semi-finals. "It would have been nice to be part of the World Cup squad but it is in the past. We are going to West Indies for the Test series and I will most probably be part of that. I was look towards the future," he said.

He however, said that he feels he has got what it takes to make it in limited overs cricket. Considered one of India's stalwarts in the longest format of the game, Pujara has never been able to stake a claim in the Indian limited overs side, having played just five ODI matches for the country. "I have the capacity to play shorter formats of the game. I am trying to improve in One Day and T20 formats. I love playing this game so why not ODIs and T20s. I always feel that I can play in all formats," he said.

Pujara is expected to be seen in action for India in the final leg of their West Indies tour. The tour consists of three T20Is, three one-day internationals and two Tests in the month-long tour. The Test series will be the start of India's campaign in the World Test Championship 2019-2021.

(Rohit Mundayur can be contacted on rohit.m@ians.in)

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Manchester, July 15 (IANS) Football giants Manchester United congratulated their big fan Jofra Archer and the England team for lifting their maiden World Cup at Lord's on Sunday.

"When you wake up and realise you're a #CWC19 world champion...Incredible stuff, @JofraArcher congratulations to you and @EnglandCricket," Manchester United tweeted with a picture of England's leading wicket taker Archer wearing a United jersey.

Just in the England setup and playing his first World Cup, 24-year old Barbados-born Jofra was another reason why England won the World Cup. The gun-quick nabbed 20 wickets in 11 matches and bowled the Super Over in the final against New Zealand, holding his nerve. Although he gave away 15 runs for the Kiwis to match the target, England won on superior boundary count.

Archer yorked, bounced and changed pace with the ball during the entire tournament, bamboozling batsmen and creating all sorts of problems which will make him a crucial cog in England's wheel for years to come.

England won the World Cup by hitting more boundaries than New Zealand after the rip-roaring final which was tied both at the end of 100 overs and a Super Over.

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London, July 15 (IANS) Former international umpire Simon Taufel feels that the umpires made a grave mistake while awarding six runs to England -- instead of five --when a throw struck Ben Stokes' bat during the summit clash of the 2019 World Cup at Lord's.

In the fourth ball of the final over during England's chase of 241, Stokes accidentally knocked the ball coming in from deep midwicket fielder Martin Guptill and deflected it off to the third man boundary, while attempting to dive for his crease with an outstretched bat in a bid to complete his second run.

After consultation with Marais Erasmus and the rest of his umpiring colleagues, Kumar Dharmasena signalled six runs for the incident, meaning that England -- who by then seemed to be drifting out of contention needing nine runs from three balls -- were suddenly right back in the hunt towards their World Cup glory needing three more from two.

"They (England) should have been awarded five runs, not six," Taufel told foxsports.com.au.

"It's a clear mistake ... it's an error of judgment," he added.

According to MCC law 19.8 pertaining to 'overthrow or wilful act of fielder': "If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scored shall be any runs for penalties awarded to either side, and the allowance for the boundary, and the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they had already crossed at the instant of the throw or act."

Taufel, however, defended the officials, saying it was unfair to say this was the moment that decided the match.

"In the heat of what was going on, they thought there was a good chance the batsmen had crossed at the instant of the throw.

"Obviously TV replays showed otherwise."

The 48-year-old praised acknowledged that the call "influenced the game", but said it should not be viewed as costing New Zealand the World Cup.

"It's unfair on England, New Zealand and the umpires involved to say it decided the outcome," Taufel said.

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By Debayan Mukherjee

Kolkata, July 15 (IANS) England won the World Cup by hitting more boundaries than New Zealand after the rip-roaring final which was tied both at the end of 100 overs and a Super Over.

It was the finest of margins and cricket showed its cruel side to the Kiwis who were "devastated" according to their skipper Kane Williamson.

Eoin Morgan lifted the World Cup as England won for the first time the coveted trophy at the hallowed Lord's in London. The end of a stellar competition also brought to the fore performers who rose to the occasion.

IANS picks the top players who could make the best XI from the showpiece event:

Jason Roy

Jason Roy's breathtaking batting at the start of an innings is one of the main reasons why England were such a force at this World Cup. In the three matches -- Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Australia -- Roy missed in the middle of the group stages, England lost two against the Lankans and Aussies. Once Roy was back against India, there was no looking back for the dashing opener as he overall plundered 443 runs in seven innings with a highest score of 153 and average 63.28.

Rohit Sharma

The Indian vice-captain had a World Cup to remember where he not only finished at the highest run-getter (648 runs in nine innings) but also racked up a record five centuries, the first by any batsman in a single World Cup. India lost to New Zealand in the semifinals where Rohit did not get runs, but personally the Mumbai batsman could not have asked for a better outing.

Kane Williamson (Captain)

He led from the front and but for lesser number of boundaries hit, could not guide New Zealand to their first World Cup triumph. Williamson was the Kiwis' batting mainstay and almost every time shouldered the responsibility of getting runs alone. He marshalled his troops admirably and especially against India in the semifinal and England in the final, displayed his leadership skills brilliantly. In nine innings, he amassed 578 runs becoming the captain with most runs in a single World Cup. Justly, Williamson received the Player of the Tournament prize from batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Virat Kohli

Indian captain and arguably the best batsman in the world. Although, he did not get a hundred to his name, he scored five consecutive half centuries to take his team to the semifinals. Kohli failed in the knockout game against New Zealand and so did his team, but his class was underlined in those five games where he showcased his full repertoire to the world.

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib failed to take Bangladesh to the semifinals but did whatever he could to fulfill that goal by scoring 606 runs in eight innings and taking 11 wickets. Shakib was brilliant throughout their campaign and played his best cricket to once again stake a claim as one of the best all-rounders in the world.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes will go down in history as one of England's best all-rounders. After all, he managed what even the great Ian Botham failed to achieve in Australia in 1992. Stokes had a great World Cup where he scored 465 runs in 10 innings and scalped seven wickets besides taking the catch of the competition in the first game against South Africa. But none more important than his 84 not out off 98 balls in the final against New Zealand which helped the hosts lift the World Cup.

Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)

He has blown hold and cold in this World Cup but in the final, his swashbuckling 60-ball 59 and the 110-run stand with Stokes helped England win their maiden World Cup trophy. Buttler is one of the best when it comes to hitting the cricket ball, and behind the stumps also he has been decent during the course of the tournament.

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja played just two matches but in those games, he underlined his value in the side and why probably he should have been picked earlier. Jadeja was brilliant in the field with a stunning catch against England, but his fighting 77 against New Zealand where India were down in the dumps and staring at elimination, was the highlight. With the ball, he was very effective, picking up two crucial wickets and keeping the run flow in check.

Mitchell Starc

The highest wicket taker in the tournament with 27 scalps to his name in 10 matches, Starc, like the 2015 edition, came to the party at the biggest stage of all. His toe-crushing yorker to castle Ben Stokes in a group stage game was the ball of the tournament and the Aussie quick did whatever he can to take his team to the semis. In the semis, they were up against England who on the day were far superior.

Jofra Archer

Just in the England setup and playing his first World Cup, 24-year old Barbados-born Jofra was another reason why England won the World Cup. The gun-quick nabbed 20 wickets in 11 matches and bowled the Super Over in the final against New Zealand, holding his nerve. Although he gave away 15 runs for the Kiwis to match the target, England won on superior boundary count.

Archer yorked, bounced and changed pace with the ball during the entire tournament, bamboozling batsmen and creating all sorts of problem which made him a crucial cog in England's wheel for years to come.

Jasprit Bumrah

The best bowler in white-ball cricket at the moment, Bumrah delivered in every single match relentlessly and without dropping his intensity. He took 18 wickets in nine innings but more importantly returned with an amazing economy rate of 4.41. There was never an instance where Bumrah was taken to the cleaners as batsmen failed to read him. India were knocked out in the semis by New Zealand but Bumrah stood out with the ball.

(Debayan Mukherjee can be contacted on debayan.m@ians.in)

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By Aakash Kumar

New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) A total of 359 sixes were scored throughout the 2019 edition of the cricket World Cup in England and Wales. However, the one which will be remembered for ages is the "six" which was awarded to England that turned the tide for the Three Lions as they beat New Zealand in one of the most thrilling 50-over matches one could ever witness in the game of cricket.

The score-line on Sunday after the end of final read: New Zealand 241, England 241.

In Super Over -- England 15, New Zealand 15.

And the Three Lions were crowned champions as they defeated the Black Caps by 0 run -- the smallest of margins one can ever get to see in the game of cricket.

England were handed the trophy on the basis of boundaries scored. In the entire duration of 112 overs, England scored 26 boundaries as compared to 17 by New Zealand.

However, the match went to the Super Over courtesy the six runs awarded to England all-rounder Ben Stokes in the final over of the game.

Chasing New Zealand's first-innings score of 241, England needed another nine runs from three more balls to win the game and become the first men's English team to have their hands at the coveted trophy.

In the fourth ball of the over, Stokes accidentally knocked the ball coming in from deep midwicket field Martin Guptill and deflected it off to the third man boundary, while attempting to dive for his crease with an outstretched bat, in a bid to complete his second run.

After consultation with Marais Erasmus and the rest of his umpiring colleagues, Kumar Dharmasena signalled six runs for the incident, meaning that England -- who by then seemed to be drifting out of contention needing nine runs from three balls -- were suddenly right back in the hunt towards their World Cup glory needing three more from two.

According to MCC law 19.8 pertaining to 'overthrow or wilful act of fielder': "If the boundary results from an overthrow or from the wilful act of a fielder, the runs scored shall be any runs for penalties awarded to either side, and the allowance for the boundary, and the runs completed by the batsmen, together with the run in progress if they had already crossed at the instant of the throw or act."

Now, if one looks at this definition of the law, a conclusion can be drawn that England were awarded an extra run, i.e., they should have been awarded five runs instead of six.

If one takes a close look at the video of the incident, it will be seen that at the moment the ball was released by Guptill, Stokes and his partner, Adil Rashid, had not yet crossed for their second run.

Hence, according to the latter part of the rule, it doesn't appear that the second run was completed. Also, in the law there is no mention on the part of batsman's action. But that was not the case and England were awarded six runs which eventually turned vital looking at the context of the game.

Former international umpire Simon Taufel said that a grave error was made in awarding England six runs -- instead of five. "It's a clear mistake...it's an error of judgment," Taufel told foxsports.com.au.

Stokes, on his part, did apologise for the unintended deflection off his bat. "I said to Kane I'll be apologising for that for the rest of my life," the all-rounder said.

However, Williamson was left disappointed as he failed to take his team across the line and said: "It was a shame that the ball hit Stokes' bat, but I just hope it doesn't happen in moments like that."

"Unfortunately that sort of thing happens from time to time. It's a part of the game that we play. I don't wish to nitpick, just hope it never happens in such moments ever again," he added.

However, as former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith said, "(There were) lots of sixes hit in the tournament, yet the most significant six was one that went along the ground."

No matter how much cricket fraternity debates over the controversial "six", history will remember that incident as the defining moment of the 2019 World Cup final which helped England break a 102-year-old drought and become champions.

(Aakash Kumar can be contacted at aakash.k@ians.in)

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London, July 15 (IANS) Liam Plunkett has become England's lucky charm -- and even when they looked dead and buried, the seamer knew they were destined for glory.

On Sunday, England became the champions for the first time in the history of the World Cup -- after a thrilling final victory over New Zealand at Lord's.

Ben Stokes' heroics rescued a chase that looked all but over and then performed more miracles in the Super Over alongside Jos Buttler.

The Black Caps then fell agonisingly short in response, and Plunkett ended this World Cup unbeaten -- England's three group-stage losses had happened with Plunkett left out of the XI.

After the four-year journey under captain Eoin Morgan that has taken them to the top of the world, the 34-year-old believes destiny has played its part.

"The old lucky charm thing, I was riding with it! I was hoping the coach thinks that so I can get a game," he said.

"What a day, it's been a long journey! I played against Ross Taylor in the first World Cup I played, and now in the blink of an eye, I am playing him at Lord's.

"I don't believe in the stars and all that stuff, but it was the first time that I felt: 'This is meant to be'.

"We have played together as a group for the last four years and we have played different countries and we have dominated teams.

"I just felt we did deserve it as a bunch of guys.

"We are good mates but we also work hard. Everyone else does but I felt it was meant to be.

"Especially when those overthrows went, that changed the tide."

Plunkett was selected way back for the 2007 World Cup as a young tyro, but since has had to bide his time with long spells in the international wilderness.

But after this watershed moment on free-to-air TV -- he hopes the first Ashes winning team of 2005 that inspired a nation have been replicated 14 years on.

He added: "The last four years playing for England was the best time of my life. Even if we didn't win the World Cup it would have still be a journey. We have been amazing, we have changed the culture of cricket in England.

"People expect us to win which is a lot different from a few years back. To watch guys like Jos, freaks like Jofra step up to the plate, it's amazing for me to just watch it.

"What a day, it has changed the history of English cricket and everyone got to watch that. I hope everyone gets involved and loves it like when we won the Ashes. It was a special day."

Plunkett has chipped in with big wickets all tournament -- he dismissed Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and Quinton de Kock to name -- but he got the biggest fish of all on Sunday.

Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson nicked off to Jos Buttler as England tightened the screw and Plunkett was delighted to return to England's side at just the right time.

"Kane is a massive player and to get a crucial wicket is what I do pride myself on so it was nice to get that," he added.

"As soon as I came up the hill (from the Nursery End) I felt comfortable attacking the crease, it felt a lot better. To get that wicket and close up and not go for many wickets. I was satisfied but I knew the job was half done.

"You cannot be too bitter (if you are out the team), you can be bitter and upset inside that you are not playing. Especially if you feel like you are doing well. But look at TC (Tom Curran), he has done nothing wrong, his stats have been class.

"You can be disappointed but you have to turn up and keep training.

"And when you get the nod, you have got to perform," he added.

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New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan has praised New Zealand and reckons the Kiwis had a decent run in the showpiece event as they also outclassed the hot favourites -- India -- in the first semifinal of the tournament.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Morgan said: "They've been actually through a better tournament than we have. The fact a trophy is sitting here is, you know, like I mentioned, we got the rub of the green today," Morgan said during the post-match conference on Sunday.

"New Zealand, throughout the group stages, were absolutely outstanding, very consistent and in the semifinal were very ruthless in playing against India, India are an extremely strong team," he added.

When being quizzed if it was his luck in the mega clash as the contest went down to the wire, Morgan said: "We had Allah with us as well. I spoke to Adil (Rashid), he said Allah was definitely with us. I said we had the rub of the green (smiling)."

Earlier on Sunday, England became the World Cup champions for the first time in cricket history after defeating New Zealand in a pulsating final which ended in a nail-biting Super Over at Lord's.

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London, July 15 (IANS) England won their first World Cup on the basis of a superior boundary count against New Zealand in the finals played at Lord's on Sunday.

Two dramatic run-outs in the final over of England's innings took the game into a Super Over with the scores tied on 241. And with the Super Over also ending in a tie, the winner of 2019 edition of the showpiece event was decided by the number of boundaries. England scored 26 boundaries in total in the entire duration of the match as compared to 17 by the Black Caps.

However, many of the fans and cricketers couldn't digest the fact that the winner of the prestigious quadrennial event was decided on the basis of such a rule. Many took to Twitter to slam the ICC for the "ridiculous" rule.

"Some rules in cricket definitely needs a serious look in," tweeted Indian opener Rohit Sharma.

"Don't understand how the game of such proportions, the CWC19Final, is finally decided on who scored the most boundaries. A ridiculous rule ICC. Should have been a tie. I want to congratulate both New Zealand and England on playing out a nail biting Final. Both winners imo (in my opinion)," tweeted former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir.

"Congratulations to England! Commiserations New Zealand. I've got to say that it's a horrible way to decide the winner. This rule has to change," said former Australian pacer Brett Lee.

"Difficult to digest this more boundary rule. Something like sudden death- continuous super overs till a result is a better solution. Understand, wanting a definite winner but sharing a trophy is better than deciding on more boundaries. Very tough on New Zealand," said Mohammad Kaif.

"Congrats England in their first World Cup win... unlucky New Zealand... the Laws or rules of the Tournament need to be looked at! It's a WC Final!!! Another Super over at least!" said Dean Jones.

"I don't agree with that rule! But rules are rules congratulations to England on finally winning the World Cup, my heart goes out for the kiwis they fought till the end. Great game an epic final!!!!" said Yuvraj Singh.

"I really don't like the rule of the team scoring the maximum boundaries winning a tied match. It puts an accent on big hits and does not reward teams that run harder. How about one where, in case of a tie, we take out extras. The team with most runs with the bat wins," said cricket expert Joy Bhattacharjya.

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London, July 15 (IANS) England became the World Cup champions for the first time in cricket history after defeating New Zealand in a pulsating final which ended in a nail-biting Super Over at Lord's.

On Sunday, the Black Caps needed two to win from the final ball but a superb throw from Jason Roy in the deep saw Martin Guptill agonizingly run out, as Kane Williamson's side finished runners-up for the second successive World Cup. The result of the game was decided on the boundary count in which the Three Lions beat the Kiwis.

After the nail-biting summit clash, sports fraternity congratulated both the teams for their efforts and dubbed the match as the "best white-ball game of all time".

"That's the best white ball game of all time! ENGLAND ARE WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS!!" tweeted England pacer Stuart Broad.

"A game that ebbed and flowed from the 1st ball to the 612th! Feel for New Zealand who did everything that England did and still fell short. Congratulations to England," said legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

"What an amazing match of cricket. Nail biting stuff at an iconic venue. This game will go down as one of the best matches in history.

"Congratulations to England on your maiden World Cup title. Never be down New Zealand, you fought like champions," said Sir Vivian Richards.

"That's the best game I've ever seen and the last hour was the worst and most nervous I've ever felt. WHAT A WIN!!!!! England officially World Cup champions, I feel like crying/singing/dancing/hugging/screaming all at once!!!!" said former England skipper Eoin Morgan.

"Neither team deserved to lose that... What a day for cricket... That is how it inspire a new generation of cricketers...," tweeted former England captain Michael Vaughan.

"What a contest! Best ever final by a mile. NZ a dive and a leap away from WC glory and England absolutely super in super over and super lucky as well. Ricochet/overthrow overthrew NZ. Couldn't the Cup been shared!" tweeted cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raza.

"Gonna struggle to sleep after today's sporting events! What a weekend. Congrats Eoin Morgan and England, fairytale finish at Lord's," said former South Africa batter AB de Villiers.

"Congratulations to England on winning the Cricket World Cup. New Zealand were outstanding and never gave up, that deflection over-throw of Stokes being a huge turning point, tragic for New Zealand, so near yet so far but they must be very proud," tweeted former Indian opener Virender Sehwag.

"What a FINAL... feel bad for New Zealand well done England. Have no words," said former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardane.

"OH MY GOD! What a match for a World Cup Final. This is as good as a trophy shared. Match tied, super over tied, England wins on more boundaries hit. Wow. Great scenes at Lords," said former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

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London, July 15 (IANS) Jofra Archer didn't appear nervous before bowling the Super Over that won England the World Cup -- and that was because Ben Stokes' words of advice were keeping him calm.

Stokes, who suffered his own final-over nightmare with the ball three years ago in the ICC Twenty20 final in Kolkata, sought out Archer to reassure him before the final shootout against the Black Caps.

Test skipper Joe Root did the same, reminding Archer that an World Cup is not a matter of life and death.

After Jimmy Neesham belted a six off his third ball -- Archer could have let the panic set in. But he kept his cool on the biggest stage of all to set up a famous win, just two months into his international career.

"I actually went to Morgs first, I had an idea I was going to do it (bowl the Super Over) but I wanted to double check that he wanted me to do it," said Archer as per an ICC release.

"I think it was going fine until the six, and then (Ben) Stokes told me even before the over: 'Win or lose, today does not define you. Everyone believes in you.'

"He came to talk to me because of that (Kolkata). He probably went through the same emotions, the same feelings but being on the losing side.

"If we had lost today, I don't know what I would have done tomorrow.

"To back up what he said, if we did lose there is a T20 coming up next year and I would have another chance.

"Rooty came up to me and said some inspirational words as well. I knew that if we did lose, it wasn't the end of the world.

"I am glad that the guys look up to me and they trust me to do it.

"The skipper (Eoin Morgan) really believed in me, even after the six. A lot of captains could have had their head in their hands, but he was really calm and really understanding."

And after Stokes' heroics with the bat took England's men's team to a first-ever World crown in 44 years of trying -- Archer admitted it felt a bit like fate played a role at the home of cricket.

"It was serous passion, this is a great team, I cannot imagine a better bunch of guys to share it with. I can't put it into words, I can't believe we actually won the game," he said.

"Looking back, a lot of things went our way. The last five overs of the run chase in particular. I guess it was just meant to be," he added.

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New Delhi, July 15 (IANS) New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham was left shattered after their narrow defeat in a nerve-wrecking final of the 2019 World Cup at the hands of England.

On Sunday, the scores were levelled twice in the game -- one after the allotted 100 overs and the other after the Super Over at the iconic Lord's. In the end, it was the superior boundary count which saw England have their hands on the coveted trophy for the very first time.

Two dramatic run-outs in the final over of England's innings took the game into a Super Over with the scores tied on 241. England held their nerve, levelling the scores on the final ball of the deciding over, and then edged ahead on the boundary count to be crowned men's world champions for the first time.

Neesham, who came into bat in the Super Over, expressed gratitude towards the fans for their support, but also advised children not to take up sports.

He first tweeted congratulating England, saying that he hoped to not remember the last half hour of the World Cup finals over the next decade.

"That hurts. Hopefully there's a day or two over the next decade where I don't think about that last half hour. Congratulations England, well deserved," he tweeted.

He then tweeted thanking all the fans for their support: "Thank you to all the supporters that came out today. We could hear you the whole way. Sorry we couldn't deliver what you so badly wanted."

And then he tweeted advising children not to take up sport. "Kids, don't take up sport. Take up baking or something. Die at 60 really fat and happy."

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London, July 15 (IANS) England might have won the World Cup, but the fact that the number of boundaries hit decided the winner is something that has not gone down well with certain quarters who believed that if the game ended in a tie even after the Super Over, either the trophy should have been shared or the team picking most wickets could take it home. However, England skipper Eoin Morgan's take on the issue was different than his Kiwi counterpart Kane Williamson.

Speaking at the end of the game, Morgan said that rules are set well in advance so that isn't an area that needs to be looked at.

"If you could give me an alternative, I'd be able to, like compare the both. But I can't think of an alternative at the moment. The rules are obviously set out a long time ago and we have no control over them," he said.

But he was quick to add that the Kiwis played quality cricket. "I think they've been incredible throughout the tournament. I said it before the game in the press conference. They've been actually through a better tournament than we have.

"The fact a trophy is sitting here is, you know -- like I mentioned, we got the rub of the green today. New Zealand throughout the group stages were absolutely outstanding, very consistent and in the semi-final were very ruthless in playing against an extremely strong team like India.

"And I think the most admirable thing is the way they played their cricket. To consistently perform and compete against the very best on different stages throughout the year, they are the best, and they do it in a fashion that you'd have no qualms in turning around to your kid and saying, "Please idolise these guys, they are very admirable"," Morgan said.

Williamson praised his team for putting up a good show. "I suppose you never thought you would have to ask that question and I never thought I would have to answer it (smiling). Yeah, while the emotions are raw, it is pretty hard to swallow when two teams have worked really, really hard to get to this moment in time and when sort of two attempts to separate them with a winner and a loser it still doesn't perhaps sort of shine with one side coming through, you know. It is what it is, really. The rules are there at the start.

"No one probably thought they would have to sort of result to some of that stuff. But yeah, very tough to swallow. A great game of cricket and all you guys probably enjoyed it.

"As to everyone else, I think they are still here, they want more (smiling). But we are looking forward to putting our feet up now and having a bit of a chat and reflection about our campaign," he said.

"The rules are there I guess, aren't they, and certainly something you don't consider going into the match that maybe if we could have an extra boundary and then tied two attempts at winning it we will get across the line and they didn't think that either.

"I don't even know what the boundary count was but we were slightly behind. Yeah, very, very tough..."

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