High-five machines, lager and catches: welcome to the Cricket World Cup | Barney Ronay

On the pitch Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes took centre stage. Off it, the fans’ joy suggest cricket is doing just fine as it is

Welcome to the World Cup. Thirteen years, seven England captains, assorted white‑ball revolutions and one frankly alarming opening ceremony in the making: England and Wales 2019 is finally up and running.

Related: Stokes and Archer star as England beat South Africa in Cricket World Cup

Ben Stokes’s feat joins a long list of contenders for the title. Among English cricket’s other finest recent catches:

Paul Collingwood 
England v Australia, third ODI, Jun 2005
As Matthew Hayden produces a powerful cut, Collingwood soars high, arched back, and holds the ball tight. Hailed as one of the best catches of all time. 

Related: Cricket World Cup 2019: latest standings

Trophy safely delivered #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/NYZ5zLOfIp

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