'Incredible journey': Unlucky England star's moving celebration message
Everyone on England’s Cricket World Cup winning team has a story to tell, but perhaps none quite like James Taylor.
Taylor, one of England’s selectors, was just as proud to hoist the trophy as the players.
The former star batsman was forced out of the game in 2016 after he was diagnosed with a heart condition - the same condition that caused footballer Fabrice Muamba to suffer a cardiac arrest on the field in 2012.
It was a gut-wrenching decision for Taylor, who in all likelihood would have been pressing to play this year were it not for his condition.
At the time of his retirement, Taylor had averaged 42.23 in ODIs as a middle-order batsman.
While he could have rued what might have been, Taylor was instead thrilled to have been involved with his country’s first World Cup triumph.
“What an absolutely incredible journey it’s been over the last 4 years!” he wrote on Twitter.
“Starting it as a player and now as a selector! I’ve never had a feeling like it!
“They’re truly a remarkable group of lads and they deserve this. I’ve never had a feeling like yesterday, so proud!”
What an absolutely incredible journey it’s been over the last 4 years! Starting it as a player and now as a selector! I’ve never had a feeling like it! They’re truly a remarkable group of lads and they deserve this. I’ve never had a feeling like yesterday, so proud! #cwc19 pic.twitter.com/oGLSNM4Csg
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) July 15, 2019
English fans were equally thrilled for the popular figure’s success after his career was cut short through no fault of his own.
Many considered Taylor to be just as deserving of the trophy as any of the players.
So pleased for you - after everything you’ve been through and how you’ve responded; you deserve to be holding that trophy
— Ed Melia (@ed_photo) July 15, 2019
Really pleased for you James after all that you have been through! You really deserve this moment! Just goes to show, when life gives you lemons....
— Michael Elliott (@Elliott1Mike) July 15, 2019
Seeing the cup in the right hands - you and the team is the culmination of 4 interesting and difficult years for you all - your work as a selector is priceless 👏👏👏
— Angie Morland (@Kfirette) July 15, 2019
Extraordinary twist in ruling that robbed Kiwis
The validity of the bizarre six-run incident that cruelled New Zealand in the World Cup final has been called into question.
And a decorated former international umpire has declared Kumar Dharmasena and Marais Erasmus botched their big moment.
Needing nine runs from the final three balls for victory, England were handed a huge slice of luck when the ball ricocheted off Ben Stokes’ bat while he was running and raced away to the boundary.
‘ABSOLUTE JOKE’: Outrage over 'farcical' finish to World Cup final
Because Stokes was coming back for a second run, the umpires awarded England the two runs plus another four for the overthrows – six in total.
However, that ruling was questioned upon an inspection of the rulebook.
Under Law 19.8, "Overthrow or wilful act of fielder", it appears as though England should only have been awarded five runs, rather than six.