CUMBRIA'S sporting hero Ben Stokes made "an almost superhuman" effort that inspired England to World Cup victory at Lord's, said the team's jubilant captain Eoin Morgan.

The stunning victory - ending a 44-year wait for the title - is being hailed as one of the most dramatic in the sport's history, and the crucial role that Stokes played was recognised as he was declared Man of the Match.

Stokes, who was brought up in Cockermouth, held his nerve under intense pressure, his 84 runs not out ensuring that England matched New Zealand's 241 at a frenzied Lord's and, despite being clearly fatigued, he returned to bat alongside fellow batsman Jos Buttler for the make-or-break super over - the sport's equivalent of a penalty shoot-out.

The pair added 15 runs to England's tally - and New Zealand equalled it.

But England snatched victory because the team had registered more boundaries.

"To come through is extraordinary," the England captain said.

"It's almost superhuman. Ben really carried the team and our batting line-up.

"To bat with the lower order the way he did, I thought was incredible. He managed to deal with the emotion and atmosphere in an incredibly experienced manner.

"Hopefully everyone watching at home will try to be the next Ben Stokes."

Stokes was deservedly named man of the match.

In an emotional post-match, the Cumbrian said: "I'm pretty lost for words. All the hard work that's gone in over these four years, this is where we aspired to be.

"To do it with such a game, I don't think there will be another like this in the history of cricket.

"The lads, in this one-day team, the Test team, my family, their support has been massive."

Morgan came to the press conference with the World Cup trophy after leading them to their first global 50-over title, ending 44 years of disappointment in this tournament.

Morgan said: "This means absolutely everything. It's been an absolutely incredible journey. I still can't quite believe it, that's why I'm carrying it around as much as I can."

The captain recognised there were moments that went in England's favour, most notably in the final over when a diving Stokes unintentionally made contact with the ball as he stretched to make his ground, leading to four overthrows.

The reaction to the game - and the crucial role played by Stokes - has been swift and understandably enthusiastic.

At his former club in Cockermouth, former teammates were jubilant, recognising that the victory helps put them on the world cricketing map. Their congratulatory tweet said it all: 

"You don’t need to say much more when one of your boys wins Man of the Match in the Cricket World Cup Final 2019 apart from congratulations and well done."

Comments on the News & Star's Facebook page included: 

Eleanor Davis-Johnston: "Well done Ben. You're a credit to our town, county, country and most of all your parents."

Jason Hewitson-Bevis: "At last something to be proud about when mentioning Cumbria.  What an edge-of-the-seat final. Must be mixed feelings for the lad having been born in NZ but he played so well. Your adopted country salutes you."

Jules Goldsmith: "My husband was so happy, he said he'd be willing to have Ben Stokes' children!"

Michael Mulgrew: "Best cricket match of all time. So so so tense."

Brenda Beck: "I could see how much you wanted this fantastic achievement. Congratulations to the team and the back room staff you have done this wonderful country proud."

Elsewhere on Facebook, the praise for Stokes came in a flood of tweets and Facebook posts. The twitterstorm following the victory included: 

James Taylor: "What an incredible fairytale last innings for one of worlds greatest batsman! He’s been an inspiration and an example to so many! Nobody deserves it more."

Michael Vaughan‏: "Special mention to @benstokes38. What a story... What a incredible comeback from adversity. He won’t know yet but over the years will understand how many kids will be trying to play exactly like him."