Ben Stokes nominated for New Zealander of the Year award
Man of the match in the World Cup final against New Zealand, Ben Stokes has been nominated for New Zealander of the Year award, as confirmed by the chief judge Cameron Bennett. In the minutes following the final, news about Stokes’ Kiwi roots had been circulated throughout social media.
Stokes has had a wonderful World Cup, no doubt. He picked up seven wickets at a decent economy rate, scored 465 runs, and was brilliant in the field. However, his best performance came in the final. Stokes’ 98-ball 84 pulled England out of a precarious situation to earn a tie. Then, Stokes made eight runs off three balls in the super over as England clinched the World Cup. All this against New Zealand, the country that has now nominated him for an award celebrating achievements of a Kiwi.
“Stokes might not have been playing for the Black Caps but, having been born in Christchurch where his parents now live and with Maori ancestry, there’s clearly a few Kiwis about who think we can still claim him,” Bennett was quoted stating by Hindustan Times.
After the match, there was a lot of talk on Stokes’ heritage. The all-rounder was born in New Zealand but moved to England when he was 12. So, his roots are evident. His parents are settled in Christchurch. His father even stated that he supported New Zealand in the final despite his son turning out for England.
Meanwhile, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson is also among the nominees for the award. Williamson’s demeanour in defeat, to go with his brilliance as batsman and captain, was praised by one and all. For his efforts, he won the ICC Player of the Tournament award.
“He’s been the embodiment of the qualities we cherish as New Zealanders courage, fairness, humility,” Bennett concluded.