The Inside Story: How England Rose from Cricket World Cup Humiliation to Unprecedented Glory

The Humiliation and Determination

In the summer of 2015, the England cricket team suffered a devastating defeat in the Cricket World Cup, failing to make it past the group stages and finishing in their worst-ever position in the tournament. The defeat left the nation in shock and sparked a deep reflection within the cricketing community.

With their heads held low, the team returned home with a determination never before seen. They knew they had to rebuild their team, their strategies, and reignite the passion that had seemed lost.

Morgan's Men: The Inside Story of England's Rise from Cricket World Cup Humiliation to Glory

by Steve James (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14856 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE

The Overhaul and the New Regime

The England Cricket Board (ECB) wasted no time in taking action. They brought in a new coaching staff, led by an astute strategist and former player, Trevor Bayliss. This marked the beginning of a new era for English cricket.

Under Bayliss' guidance, the team underwent rigorous training and a total overhaul of their playing style. They focused on playing aggressive, attacking cricket, both with bat and ball. The mentality was to fearlessly take on any opposition, rather than playing cautiously and defensively.

A Change in Mindset

In addition to the revamped tactics, there was a significant shift in the mindset of the players. The team was reminded of the pride associated with representing their country and wearing the Three Lions emblem on their chests. They were reminded of the immense honor and privilege it was to be part of the national team.

This change in mindset proved to be crucial. It instilled a renewed sense of responsibility and commitment within the players. They began to approach each match with steely determination, knowing that the hopes and dreams of an entire nation rested on their shoulders.

Inclusion of Young Talent

Another crucial aspect of England's rise to glory was the inclusion of young and talented players in the squad. The new regime saw the potential in nurturing new talent and giving them the opportunity to shine on the international stage.

Players like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler emerged as the backbone of the team. Their raw talent, combined with the experience of senior players like Alastair Cook and James Anderson, created a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and calm maturity.

Unparalleled Success

The results of England's transformation were evident. They achieved unprecedented success in limited-overs cricket, reaching the number one ranking in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

The crowning glory came in the summer of 2019, when England hosted the Cricket World Cup. After a breath-taking final against New Zealand that ended in a tie, England secured their maiden World Cup victory on the boundary countback rule. The victory sparked scenes of euphoria across the nation and brought cricket back into the hearts of the people.

The Legacy

England's rise from humiliation to World Cup glory is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a united team effort. It showcased the true spirit of cricket and reminded the world of England's rich cricketing heritage.

As the celebrations subsided, England's focus shifted towards sustaining their success. The team continued to dominate in international cricket, winning important series and continuing to inspire future generations.

Cricket World Cups are not won overnight. England's journey from humiliation to glory was a painstaking process that required introspection, determination, and a willingness to change. The team's rise from the ashes, under the leadership of Trevor Bayliss and the talented players, will go down as one of the most remarkable transformations in sporting history.

Morgan's Men: The Inside Story of England's Rise from Cricket World Cup Humiliation to Glory

by Steve James (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14856 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE

From English cricket's embarrassing failure at the 2015 World Cup to their heart-stopping victory four years later, Nick Hoult and Steve James vividly describe the team's dramatic journey from abject disappointment to finally lifting the trophy. Morgan's Men reveals how the team became the most aggressive limited-overs side in the world, led by their inspirational captain Eoin Morgan, whose vision and determination to succeed captured the imagination of the nation.

Hoult and James follow England's journey from Bangladesh to Barbados, from Melbourne to Manchester, to present the inside story of the team's rebirth. They tell us how players dealt with the Ben Stokes court case, the sacking of Alex Hales for a drugs ban, and reveal the innovative new strategies and tactics that helped them become the best in the world, culminating in a World Cup final that was arguably the greatest one-day match of all time.