15 July 2019, by: Carl Lewis

CWC19: TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

Jeez what an ending to a tournament, England won the World Cup for the first time after beating New Zealand in Sunday’s thrilling final at Lord’s.

It was a suitable end to a lenghty and rain-affected event, although it featured some extraordinary individual performances and achievements.

We at BET Central chose our ICC World Cup Team of the Tournament:

Rohit was on another level, he got 5 centuries and 648 runs to end as the tournament’s top scorer – undoubtedly the best batsman in England.

He was first player ever to hit smash five tons at a single World Cup. That included three consecutive centuries against England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Rohit’s total 648 runs was just short of Sachin Tendulkar’s World Cup record of 673 scored during the 2003 edition in South Africa.

Clearly Roy is a vital cog in the England machine. His hamstring injury, which ruled him outdoor three matches, coincided with England’s run of poor form.

As soon as he returned, the world champions looked like the team that was the pre-tournament favourites.

The aggressive opener scored 443 runs at an average of 63.28. It included one ton and four half-centuries.

What a return to international cricket for Warner after his one year ban. The ‘break’ did him the world of good, he looked at peace with himself and his game.

Warner became the fourth Aussie to pass the 500-run barrier at a World Cup. The fiery 32-year-old finished with 647 runs and registered the highest individual score in this year’s World Cup when he made 166 against Bangladesh.

He scored an impressive three tons and three 50 half-centuries.

Captain Fantastic!!! The level-headed Williamson scored 578 runs in the tournament, no other skipper got more runs at a World Cup… ever. The previous record was Mahela Jayawardene’s 548 in 2007.

Williamson carried the Black Caps batting unit on his shoulders (with some help from Ross Taylor) England.

He ended with an average of 82.57 and led his team valiantly. His creative field settings and bowling changes were one of the refreshing aspects of the World Cup.

The world’s premier all-rounder showed just why he has been number one for so many years. He was phenomenal in the number 3 spot scoring 606 runs and had the highest average at the competition of 87, add to that a strike rate of 96…impressive!

It doesn’t end there, his left-arm spin brought 11 wickets and an economy rate of 5.4 runs per over. Bangladesh won a lot of new fans at the tournament and Shakib was the primary reason.

This was hopefully the ICC tournament where Shakib will finally have global recognition as a world-class all-rounder and a great of the game.

Shakib Al Hasan deserved this player of the tournament award. Six hundred plus runs and 11 wickets. Nobody in history has done it in World Cups. — Mohammad Isam (@Isam84) July 14, 2019

Stokes has been rock solid and reliable in that England middle order. His performance in the final was another indication of his maturation.

Stokes was of course the man of the match in the final with a crucial 84 not out, he was also the ninth-highest run scorer in the tournament with 465 runs.

With the ball in hand, Stokes picked up seven wickets and we cannot forget his ridicioulsy good catch on the boundary in the opening game to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo.

The surprise package and breakout star of the World Cup, the wicket-keeper dug deep on numerous occasions and produced some quality knocks under pressure.

Carey got 375 runs and affected 20 dismissals behind the stumps, he might be pushing for a Test berth in this form.

Starc is officially back to his best and finished as the tournament’s leading wicket taker with a haul of 27. He also set a new record for most wickets at a World Cup. The previous record of 26 was held by retired Aussie Glenn McGrath.

Starc was impressive up front with the new ball and at the death with his 150 km/h yorkers. It was lovely to see the quicks pitching the ball up and being rewarded.

Archer quickly silenced anyone who questioned his selection pre-tournament. The lanky fast bowler became a tournament star with his new ball exploits and finished as the third highest wicket-taker behind Mitchell Starc and Lockie Ferguson with 20 wickets.

This was Archer’s maiden ICC tournament and he handled all of the pressure with aplomb. He is definitely a star for now, and the forseeable future.

The tournament was Ferguson’s coming of age as he terrorised batsmen with his pace and his understated slower balls. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 21.

Alongside Matt Henry and Trent Boult, the triumverate formed a formidable fast bowling pack.

Ferguson’s skills meant he was the best bowler in middle overs of the tournament and was a big reason as to why the Black Caps progressed.

Bumrah continues to impress with his skill, pace and intelligence. The fast bowler finished the tournament with 18 wickets and one of the best economy rates.

He is one of the toughest bowlers to face in world cricket and seems to come out on top no matter the situation. An important member of the Indian side for years to come.

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