Melbourne : The cricketing world has united in giving its overwhelming support to shattered England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was hit for four consecutive sixes by Carlos Brathwaite in a thrilling finale to steer West Indies to their second World Twenty20 title.
A devastated Stokes was left squatting on the ground after he failed to replicate his death-bowling heroics, displayed during clashes against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, in the high-octane finale.
England captain Eoin Morgan was the first one to console his star all-rounder.
“It is not Ben’s fault. We’re all in this together as we have been from the start. I can’t fault anything we did with the ball and in the field, on the whole I’m very proud of my players. It is a cruel game,” said Morgan after the crushing four-wicket loss at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Subsequently, former England cricketers and other international stars took to microblogging site Twitter to extend their support to the devastated star, news.com.au reported.
“@benstokes38 is still my hero !! @englandcricket,” tweeted former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.
“Just a hiccup, @benstokes38! Happens to all great players who put their hands up under pressure! You are a STAR! Braithwaite take a bow!,” said former England batsman Kevin Pietersen.
Meanwhile, former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs said: “Part of the learning curve @benstokes38 ..you’ll still go on and become a great of the game in all formats #classispermanent.”
Overwhelmed by the support, a classy Stokes then thanked everyone who supported England in the tournament and also wished West Indies for winning the coveted prize. (ANI)