IT IS likely that Ged and Deb Stokes will get very little sleep as their son Ben looks to help England to World Twenty20 success.

The Cumbrian all-rounder will be hoping to play a big part for his country tomorrow as they look to secure a second title in six years, after lifting the trophy in 2010 in the West Indies.

Stokes was not part of the side on that occasion, but will be hoping to be part of cricketing history in Kolkata, India, when Eoin Morgan’s side look to secure just their second-ever one-day trophy.

They will face a West Indies side who triumphed when the two sides met in Super 10 stage, but also came unstuck against minnows Afghanistan in their final group game.

Both Ged – a former coach of Workington Town - and Deb, who worked as a helpline manager and volunteer co-ordinator at the Rising Sun Trust in the town, stayed up through the night to watch England secure their place with a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand.

However Ged, speaking from their home in New Zealand, told the News & Star that split loyalty was not particularly an issue when it came down to who he wanted to win.

“We’re fond of the England cricket team as players and of course, because Ben plays for them, we want him to do as well as he can.”

Despite not being called in to bat as England chased down New Zealand’s score of 153-8 in the semi-final, Stokes played a key role with the ball in his hand, first having Corey Anderson caught by Chris Jordan before the same pair combined to dismiss Mitchell Santner in the final over.

Ben Stokes was born in Christchurch, New Zealand on June 4, 1991.
He moved to England with his parents when he was 12 years old after his dad Ged - a rugby league coach - was appointed head coach of Workington Town.
Stokes grew up in Cockermouth, playing cricket for both the town's cricket club and Cockermouth School.

With the final ball of the New Zealand innings, the former Cockermouth School pupil then ran out Mitchell McClenaghan.

“His bowling at the death is something that’s come on a lot,” Ged added. “It was really pleasing to see the way he was bowling in the final over.”

Deb said: “I thought he did really well. Sometimes I can’t watch, not because I’m too tired, but because it’s too tense. It was different the other day, though. I’m so proud of him.”

Ged said that both he and Deb have been in regular contact with their son throughout the tournament and spoke to him after the semi against the Kiwis. “He was absolutely over the moon,” Ged said.

“He’s looking forward to playing in the final as I think all of the boys are.”

Deb, asked whether she has any motherly words of advice for her son, joked: “Not really. Even If I did, I don’t think he’d listen.

“We’ll be speaking to him after they’ve flown over to Kolkata and although the game will be shown at about 3am our time, we’ll be staying up to watch.”