Thursday , March 28 2024

Ben Stokes and England’s World Cup Victory reminds us of the fighting English Spirit

Years ago courageous individuals such as Lord Nelson, Lord Horatio Kitchener, Viscount Montgomery and the greatest Brit to have ever lived, Sir Winston Churchill demonstrated to the world the fearless fighting spirit of the English. 

On many of these occasions their skills were called upon to save democracy and ensure freedom prevailed. 

On Sunday we were reminded of the dynamism of these men and the “never say die” demeanor that is synonymous with English culture when “Lord Ben Stokes” and his army of English cricketers battled under the flag of St. George to win World cup 2019.

For generations to come, the 2019 World Cup final would be heralded as the best 50 over match ever played, but even more than that, Sunday’s final would be remembered for the grit, determination and pure valorous efforts of the English Cricket Team to end their 44 year world cup trophy drought. 

As Ben Stokes and Jos Butler battled at the wicket with England stuttering four wickets down against a fiery New Zealand team, one could say that they must have shared the same determination Lord Nelson had in 1805 when he led twenty seven British ships of the British Royal Navy to victory against the combined fleets of the French and Spanish Navies during the battle of Trafalgar. 

With 15 runs needed from the final over, not a single English fan would have given up because we all know; nothing beats the determination of an Englishman. With Ben Stokes standing at the crease looking indomitable as Winston Churchill looked as he stood in the House of Commons in June 1940 as he vowed “we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender” we all knew greatness would come. It did.

With a heave to the leg side going for 6, Ben Stoke never surrendered and even in the super over with two runs needed, the men in blue ensured, like the British did in World War 2, defeat was avoided. Archer like old general Monty showed that he was fearless.

As Butler broke the stumps to run out Guptil, the greatest words I have ever heard in my lifetime was said, “England have won the World Cup”.  At this moment, even as I write this, tears form because it was one of the greatest ever feelings.

Besides winning the World Cup, England also showed the world that it remains a nation of hope for all. There is no secret that some players such as Archer were born in other nations, but England gave them opportunity, support when others refused. When some regions rejected them, the English stood with them and said, “You are one of us”. They repaid with success. England demonstrated that it remains a country where success can be achieved by all the same way she ensures success for her Commonwealth. 

The English cricket team’s valiant, mettlesome, audacious and lion-hearted performance should serve as a reminder to all Brits of the strength of will and fighting spirit they possess. For too long the left have tried to portray and even “pull down” the English image, but this victory reminds us that the English are fighters, winners and champions. Such characteristics are needed more than ever with Brexit as we understand that the UK will always, and should always be a world leader on the global stage as opposed to being pinned down. 

Always remember that the English spirit is a fighting spirit which guarantees success!

 

About Nicholas Morris

Nicholas Morris is the Youth Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Nicholas Morris has served as the Nation's Commonwealth Youth Ambassador between the period 2011-2015 as well as the UN Youth Rep. between the period of 2013 -2015 having represented the nation in Sri Lanka, Dubai, Australia, UK Nicholas Morris has been actively involved in the local Politics of Trinidad and Tobago as he served as the Chairman of the United National Congress Youth Arm during the party's tenure in Government (2010-2015) and now serves as the International Affairs Officer of the United National Congress. Nicholas Morris is currently the Parliamentary Adviser to the Opposition Chief Whip of Trinidad and Tobago . He became the Youngest Advsior to a Cabinet Minister when he was appointed as Adviser to the Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago in 2013 (2013-2014). In 2011 became one of the Youngest Directors of a State Company when he was appointed as Director of the Youth Training Employment Partnership Program Limited (YTEPP LTD)(2011-2017) Nicholas Morris is the grandson of a Welsh World War Veteran (Wilfred Morris) and has written many articles within the local media on the importance of British values, British Development , Impact of the UK on World Development and has been featured in the UK newspapers - Dailymail UK for his article "Thank you Britain" He has formed the movement TT Conservatives to spread the Conservative values within Trinidad and Tobago.

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