'THERE IS NO DIVINE RIGHT TO SHINE'

But fit-again Ben carries hopes against Proteas

- Dean Wilson

BEN STOKES agrees with teammate Mark Wood and insists he is not England’s World Cup Messiah – even if fans might think so. 

On the cusp of his return to the side to face South Africa tomorrow, there is an understandable level of expectation on the shoulders of a player who has a knack of delivering special performances when his country needs them.

The man who has done more than most to deliver World Cups in two formats, as well as producing mind-boggling feats in the Test arena, was keen to play down all the excitement surrounding his return.

But two defeats from the opening three games have added to the frisson.

Described as the team’s spiritual leader by head coach Matthew Mott, right, Stokes chuckled at his latest incarnation, suggesting it was more to do with the fact the team are in India – the home to either 33 or 330 million gods depending on your interpretation.