'Don't Think It's Arrogance To Say...': Ben Stokes on England's WC Chances

image-ln1avjbcBen Stokes played crucial role in England's 2019 WC-winning run [X.com]

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is upon us, and defending champions England will hope to become the third-ever team to successfully win back-to-back titles, after West Indies (1975 and 1979) and Australia (1999, 2003 and 2007).

England will be captained by the enigmatic Jos Buttler, when they take field against 2019 runners-up New Zealand on October 5 in the tournament opener at Ahmedabad.

The ECB managed to pull off a surprise, bringing Test skipper Ben Stokes out of ODI retirement for the marquee tournament. Stokes played a crucial role in England's first-ever WC-winning campaign in 2019 under Eoin Morgan.

Ahead of departing for India, Stokes asserted that England are a 'very good' side and that there is no arrogance in admitting the same.

Speaking to The Guardian, the star all-rounder explained why the Three Lions have an edge over other nations in the competition. 

Here's what Stokes said

“I don’t think it’s arrogance to say we’re a very good team. We’re in the mix. And what we now have in our favour, I think, is the experience of huge games – an edge against sides who don’t play as many. 

I know franchise T20 cricket means a lot more players have been exposed to those situations; it’s great for that. But it doesn’t come close to wearing your country’s shirt, billions watching, knowing if you lose, you’re out.”

The 32-year-old also played a pivotal role in England winning the T20 World Cup 2022 Down Under, their second 20-overs title.