Ben Stokes, England’s all-rounder cricketer, was nominated for the prestigious ‘New Zealander of the Year Award’. The Award celebrates those who use their passion to make the country a better place. Stokes emerged as a surprise nominee last week after playing a crucial role in England’s victory in the ICC World Cup this year.
Ben Stokes, Man of the Match in the World Cup final, is a New Zealander of the Year nominee, alongside Kane Williamson and othershttps://t.co/QuvsFQ1gZs pic.twitter.com/qfUgAtFgub
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 19, 2019
Turning down the nomination Stokes, said, “It would not sit right with me to be nominated for this prestigious award.” Player admitted that he is flattered by the gesture and is proud of his New Zealand and Maori heritage. He also backed the New Zealand’s Cricket Team Captain Kane Williamson, who is an inspiration and a worthy recipient of the accolade. Kane was named as the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the World Cup.
While New Zealand fell agonisingly short of winning the ultimate prize, the ever-humble #KaneWilliamson took home Player of the Tournament and for his efforts, a stunning @Hublot watch 😍
Re-live some of his #CWC19 highlights 👇 pic.twitter.com/lSSvyfj6R7
— ICC (@ICC) July 17, 2019
Ben was born in Christchurch, New Zealand and moved to England when he was twelve years old. The 28-year-old player scored 465 runs and took seven wickets in the ICC World Cup this year. Stokes was also named man of the match in the finals, which England won against the Kiwi team.
4️⃣6️⃣5️⃣ runs
5️⃣ fifties
7️⃣ wickets
2️⃣ Player-of-the-Match performances@benstokes38 was simply exceptional at #CWC19! pic.twitter.com/RGiMZR34TE— ICC (@ICC) July 16, 2019
