England star Jofra Archer reveals how Ben Stokes inspired his brilliant final over to win Cricket World Cup
JOFRA ARCHER revealed Ben Stokes helped him stay cool during the incredible drama of the super over.
Fast-bowler Archer conceded 15 runs in the thrilling finale but that was enough for England to win the World Cup for the first time.
Stokes and Jos Buttler also scored 15 runs off Trent Boult but the hosts were declared the winners because they hit more boundaries overall.
Sussex speedster Archer was at the centre of the nerve-shredding tension and rollercoaster of emotions.
The ECB changed the rules to allow them to pick Barbados-born Archer for the World Cup — and he had not even played for England three months ago.
Archer said: “The last over didn’t go too well but I have Ben to thank.
“He said that, if we lose, it doesn’t define you as a player.
“That went a long way towards keeping me calm. I was pretty sure I was going to bowl the super over but “I had to double check with the skipper Eoin Morgan.
“I think Ben went through those emotions when he bowled the last over as we lost the World T20 final.
“Maybe that’s why he spoke to me.
“They are a great bunch of fellas and especially Ben. They’ve been a really good family to me.
“This is one of the only tournaments I’ve won in my life!
“And, no, I never thought it would happen. Even last night when I could not get to sleep.
“It was a massive day.
“I can’t put it into words, I can’t believe we won. If we lost, I don’t know what I would have done tomorrow.
“When Jimmy Neesham hit a six early in my over, I thought it probably isn’t coming home.
“But we got there in the end and that is all that matters — I just thought I’d go with my yorkers.
“The six was my knuckle ball.
“After that, I thought we needed a dot or a one and it just worked out.
“I’ve had the best two months of my life — making my debut and then playing in the World Cup has been really special.”
Skipper Morgan was full of praise for Archer’s contribution.
He added: “Credit to Ben and Jos for their batting in the super over — and also to Jofra.
“Every time he plays, he improves. The world is really at his feet at the moment.”
New Zealand set England a target of 242 from their original innings.
And as the day wore on it became clear it might go right to the wire.
Vice-captain Buttler could barely believe what he witnessed. He said: “It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?
“I thought I’d seen everything in cricket but that game was just ridiculous.
“An amazing occasion and very hard to put into words. What a day.
“Ben and myself wanted to take it deep in the original match.
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“We didn’t feel the run rate would be an issue if we were still there at the end.
“We tried to put pressure back on New Zealand but I got out.
“I don’t really know what happened at the end, it was unbelievable.”
Liam Plunkett added: “Breathtaking. It’s not sunk in — I’ve had a sip of champagne, it’s my first drink for five months.”