The England cricket team has made history by winning the Cricket World Cup in the most thrilling fashion.

It followed an astonishing, game-saving Ben Stokes innings that led to a first ever ‘super over’ to decide the winner.

The scores were tied at the end of 50 overs – paving the way for a super over, a six-ball shoot-out that had only occurred 11 times in international history and never before in an ODI.

Incredibly, the teams went blow-for-blow once again, Stokes and Jos Buttler hitting 15 off Trent Boult before Jofra Archer conceded 14 off his first five deliveries.

The Barbados-born bowler, the least experienced player on either side, held his nerve as Martin Guptill forced the ball into the off-side and came back for a second that would have taken the trophy.

Enter Jason Roy, who picked up cleanly despite unimaginable pressure and hurled a flat, decisive throw towards Buttler, who scattered the stumps as Guptill scrambled.

Tied once again, England triumphed on account of boundaries scored in the original 50-over match, a technocratic decider in a contest that proved impossible to settle any other way.

It was their first final for 27 years and they began the tournament as favourites.

Their victory emulates the England women’s team who won the Cricket World Cup on the same ground two years ago.

England began the tournament as favourites. They were in danger of getting knocked out early after defeats to Sri Lanka, Australia and Pakistan but fought back from setbacks.

The cricket tournament took place in 11 venues across England and Wales and it has been watched by more than 675m people worldwide.

There was widespread criticism over the lack of free-to-air coverage of the sport’s biggest event with many arguing it was a lost opportunity to build a new generation of cricket fans.

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