In a book written on England’s ICC World Cup 2019 triumph, it has been revealed that the veteran English all-rounder, Ben Stokes had sneaked off for a “cigarette break” as he wanted to calm his nerves ahead of the Super Over during the epic final of the tournament. A year ago, England went on to win their maiden 50 over World Cup title as they defeated New Zealand by virtue of a contentious boundary count-back rule as scores were tied even after the Super Over.

It was arguably one of the greatest finals in the history of World Cups. On the first anniversary of that historic English victory, excerpts from a book called ‘Morgan’s Men: The Inside Story of England’s Rise from Cricket World Cup Humiliation to Glory’ has revealed the intense pressure that Stokes felt on that day at Lord’s.

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As per the quotes in stuff.co.nz, authors Nick Hoult and Steve James wrote: “Finding a quiet spot as the frenzy of the Super Over approached was hard in a ground packed out with 27,000 supporters and television cameras following the players from the middle, through the Long Room and up the stairs to the dressing room.”

In the excerpt, it was further revealed, “But Ben Stokes had played at Lord’s many times. He knows every nook and cranny. As Eoin Morgan tries to bring calm to the England dressing room and sort out their tactics, Stokes nips off for a moment of peace.”

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It further added, “He is covered in dirt and sweat. He has battled for two hours and 27 minutes of unbelievable tension. What does Stokes do? He goes to the back of the England dressing room, past the attendant’s little office, and into the showers. There he lights up a cigarette and has few minutes on his own.”

The 29-year-old Stokes was later named as the Man of the Match for his unbeaten knock of 84, plus eight runs in the Super Over, which helped England claim that momentous victory.