England have become the first men’s team to win both T20 and 50-over World Cups after their five-wicket victory over Pakistan in Melbourne.
Here’s how Jos Buttler’s history-makers rated throughout the tournament...
Jos Buttler 9
England’s top run scorer with 225 at an average of 45, including a brilliant 80* against India in the semi-final. Even in the final, his 26 off 17 on a wicket that no other player scored fluently on ensured England were always ahead of the rate. Came into his own as a captain in the second half of the tournament, nailing match-ups and making excellent use of plethora of bowling options.
Alex Hales 9
Insisted this was not a tournament about redemption but clearly, it was. After three years in the international wilderness, answered the call for an opener and after slow start came alive with crucial knocks against New Zealand, Sri Lanka and then India in record breaking partnership with Buttler. 212 runs at 42 and set the tone so often.
Dawid Malan 5
Didn’t take pre-tournament form into the main event. Made 56 runs in three innings and slow scoring against Ireland contributed to England being behind the DLS rate when rain intervened. Still, unlucky to miss semi and final through injury, particularly as a tight game in the latter might have suited him. At 35, may not get another chance to play in a World Cup final.
Phil Salt 5
Tough to grade as he did not come into the side until replacing Malan for semi-final and even then did not make it to the middle. Made 10 off nine in the final having effectively not played for a month. Did take a crucial catch to remove Suryakumar Yadav in semi.
Harry Brook 3
A World Cup winner at 23, who will hope this title is the first of many. Sensational form in Pakistan meant he had to be picked but by the end of the tournament was fortunate to still be in the XI. Got 20 in the final which saw his average into double figures, at least.
Scored 110 runs at 37, took six wickets and four catches but, as ever, numbers tell only half the story. Saw England home in must-win against Sri Lanka and then produced yet another clutch performance in the final, where he scored maiden T20i half-century. Bowling was a huge plus, particularly with the new ball, which gave England tactical flexibility and filled void after Reece Topley’s injury.
Moeen Ali 7
Another whose form with the bat in the build-up did not carry into the tournament proper, but his cameo in the final helped turn a potentially nervy finish into a stroll for England. Only bowled two overs but both were economical and, having captained in Pakistan, was a major help to Buttler in the field, which gets him an extra mark.
Liam Livingstone 7
Hit 29 off 21 to see England home against Afghanistan but then didn’t really get chance to explode with the bat, partly because England’s top-order fired so well. Gives England options with the ball even if went wicketless after taking three against Ireland. A magnet in the field, taking six catches including three in the final.
Sam Curran 10
Incredible to think his place in the side was in doubt only a month ago, with questions over whether he was good enough to play as a frontline bowler. Now named player of the tournament after making virtually no impact with the bat. Took 13 wickets at an average of 11, including 3-12 in the final and England’s first T20 five-for against Afghanistan. Went a long way to solving England’s long-standing issues at the death.
Chris Woakes 7
Just the five wickets for England’s most expensive bowler but always a threat up top in a tournament that offered more movement to seamers than expected. A long-time core member of a squad that is now world champions in both white-ball formats.
Chris Jordan 7
Initially left out in favour of Curran in what was undoubtably proved the correct call but when needed was not found wanting. Bowled a crucial three overs at the death against India having been carrying the drinks until then and took five wickets in his two knockout games. As good as ever in the field, including as a cheat-code sub.
Mark Wood 8
The tournament’s quickest bowler, was magnificent in the group stage bar a poor start against Ireland, taking nine wickets in four games before being cruelly robbed of semi-final and final appearances as injury curse struck again. Remarkable that England coped so well without him.
Adil Rashid 9
Another who had a quiet start, then came alive with three sensational performances at the back end. How he finished with only four wickets is a mystery but proved his worth to this side yet again. Of all the double world champions, leg spinner will be toughest to replace.
Tymal Mills N/A
Drafted in at the last minute after Topley injury and didn’t play but gets his hands on a World Cup winners’ medal, twelve months after his own injury coincided with England’s downfall at the last tournament.
David Willey N/A
Another who didn’t play but, having been the unlucky man to miss out for Jofra Archer in 2019, deserves some glory.
