We see Ben Stokes as a superhuman that can do incredible things: Chris Woakes

In a scintillating return to ODI cricket, England's Ben Stokes left the cricketing world awestruck with his astonishing performance against New Zealand.

Stokes, who had recently reversed his ODI retirement decision, created history by notching up a sensational 182 runs in just 124 balls, propelling England to a monumental total of 369. In doing so, he eclipsed the record of highest individual ODI score by an England batter, set by Jason Roy, who had scored 180 runs.

Renowned all-rounder Chris Woakes showered praises on the 32-year-old, dubbing him a "superhuman" capable of performing incredible feats on the cricket field. 

"We obviously see Ben as this superhuman that can do incredible things. We know he can. It was great for the group and brilliant for Ben too. He’s an unbelievable cricketer but coming back into the team having retired, it will do his confidence a world of good," Woakes said after the match.

Woakes on how Stokes’ knock shall ignite confidence within team

The England all-rounders monumental knock, featuring a staggering nine sixes and 15 fous, not only set the Kennington Oval ablaze but also propelled England to a resounding 181-run victory over the Kiwis. The right-handed batter further praised the sheer elegance and power behind Stokes' stroke play and mental fortitude the sport demands.

“We always have doubts and performance anxieties at the best of times, so it’s great for his confidence and great for the team’s confidence and belief that we can post huge scores. It was amazing to be here and play in the game because that was an incredible knock. He struck it cleaner than anyone else out there. It just shows how good a player he is,” the 34-year-old added.

In a sport where self-doubt and performance anxiety are often part and parcel of the journey, Stokes' exceptional innings served as a confidence booster not only for the dynamic all-rounder but also for the entire English cricketing contingent.