World Cup 2019: 3 most defining moments for each team in this tournament

England

The century partnership between Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes in the final kept England in the game

#1 The return of Jason Roy

England’s World Cup campaign was in jeopardy when they lost two consecutive matches to Sri Lanka and Australia. Unfortunately for England, Jason Roy could not play those two matches due to injury. He was forced to come back from injury in England’s must-win game against India.

The return of Jason Roy rejuvenated his opening partner Jonny Bairstow and these two put on 160 runs against India to bring England back into the game and the tournament. Bairstow looked a totally different batsman when batting with Roy and these two were instrumental in hosts England making a comeback in this World Cup.

#2 Adil Rashid’s spell in the semi-final

In the semi-final, after the early loss of 3 wickets, Australia recovered through a fourth-wicket partnership of 103 runs between Steve Smith and Alex Carey. At that stage, it looked like Australia would recover well enough to post a challenging total for England to chase. It was the defining moment of the second semi-final.

Adil Rashid had bowled four unsuccessful overs conceding 29 runs. When everyone expected Rashid to be taken out of the attack, the England captain Morgan persisted with the otherwise expensive Rashid. That was the turning point of the match as Rashid removed the well-set Alex Carey and half-fit Marcus Stoinis in his fifth over to get into the Australian tail. Rashid finished with 3 for 54 in his 10 overs.

#3 The century partnership between Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler in the final

In the final, England chasing 242 for their maiden World Cup win, were in a spot of bother at 86 for 4. England’s last recognized batting pair of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler were at the crease. One more wicket at that stage could have titled the balance in favour of New Zealand decisively.

However, Stokes and Buttler put their heads down to forge a century partnership on a dicey wicket to bring England back into the game. It was a tough wicket where every batsman from either team struggled except these two. That crucial partnership in the final was the defining moment for England and England came up trumps in the end.