THE ADVENTURES OF BATMAN

Superhero Ben to rule the world

- MIKE WALTERS

BEN STOKES will head for the World Cup with the burden of captaincy parked and his confidence restored by his latest record-breaking rampage.

Ahead of next month's defence of their one-day crown in India, England will complete their warm-up series against New Zealand at Lord's today knowing their superhero can still pull on his cape and deliver with the bat.

To say Stokes' 182, littered with nine sixes, at The Oval on Wednesday was the difference between the two sides was clearly stating the obvious.

His individual contribution was one more than England's massive 181-run winning margin and after today, the next time these teams meet will be at the World Cup opener on October 5.

Seldom, if ever, has the phrase 'See you in Ahmedabad' sounded more like a threat.