Ashes 2019: Joe Root says England’s summer is a ‘huge success’ after levelling series

England’s World Cup final victory over New Zealand came after a super over was tied, while, at Headingley, Stokes played one of the all-time great innings to lead the hosts to their highest ever Test run-chase, the final 76 runs coming in a last-wicket stand with Jack Leach.

“It’s been phenomenal,” added the Yorkshire batsman. “That World Cup was incredible, for it to finish how it did, made for fantastic viewing – not just the England games, but across the board.

“It was backed up by such an evenly matched Ashes series. We were blessed by brilliant support throughout and the cricket was pretty gripping. It was quite hard to be involved in at times, especially when we were on the wrong end of it.

“It has been a huge success for English cricket and a great opportunity to spring the game forward in this country.”