ICC World Cup 2019: Top 3 candidates for the Player of the Tournament award

2. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes' all-round skills can help England win their maiden title

England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has played a vital role in reinvigorating the team's limited-overs fortunes after the 2015 World Cup debacle – where they were knocked out in the group stages. Since then, England have been playing an attacking brand of cricket and are top contenders to lift this year’s World Cup.

Stokes lends balance to the English side and brings much needed dynamism to the table. Time and again, Stokes has single-handedly tilted the game in England’s favor.

His match winning 102* against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2017, when England were reduced to 35/3 in pursuit of 278, underlines Stokes' ability to absorb pressure and know when to take the attack to the opposition.

Stokes, who conceded four sixes to Carlos Brathwaite in the 2016 World Cup final, will also aim for redemption. His heterogeneity – excelling with bat, ball and in the field – could prove to be vital in England’s quest for their maiden title.