Cricketers of the Week: 4th June – 11th June

#5 Ben Stokes

Probably the world’s best all-rounder

Chasing 278 in Birmingham, England were in trouble at 35 for 3 against arch-rivals Australia, when Stokes walked in. Let-off early, Stokes rode his luck and made Australia pay for their mistakes.

The English all-rounder smashed a 109-ball 102 remaining unbeaten when the match was stopped due to rain with England on 240 for 4; they won by 40 runs (D/L). Stokes, who smashed 13 fours and 2 sixes, added 159 runs for the fourth wicket with his skipper Eoin Morgan. Stokes was expensive with the ball but picked the big wicket of Aaron Finch earlier in the day to halt Australia’s batting juggernaut, which at one point looked set to breach the 300-mark.

#6 Mark Wood

Mark Wood: Sharp and reliable

It was Mark Wood, who paved the way for England’s famous win at Birmingham in the Champions Trophy against arch-rivals Australia. Wood got the dangerous David Warner early before picking Australia’s skipper Steve Smith, who seemed to be in excellent touch.

Wood then got the dangerous Glenn Maxwell. That is when the collapse began as the Men in Yellow went from 239 for 4 in the 43^rd over to 277 for 9 at the end of 50 overs. Apart from the four wickets, Wood was also sensational with his economy – connceding a mere 33 runs from his 10 overs. Adil Rashid gave him excellent support proving his worth by finishing with four wicket himself.