'Kane Williamson deserves it and gets my vote' - Ben Stokes turns down New Zealander of the year nomination

'Kane Williamson deserves it and gets my vote' - Ben Stokes turns down New Zealander of the year nomination

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Ben Stokes has come forward and stated that it doesn't serve right for him to be nominated for the 'New Zealander of the Year' award, and that he wants everyone to instead vote for Kane Williamson. Stokes was born in Christchurch, but moved to England as a 12-year-old to pursue his career.

It would be fair to say that all that stood between New Zealand and World Cup glory was a certain Ben Stokes, and his 98-ball 84 in the Final served like a dagger to the heart of the whole of New Zealand. Last week, in one of the more bizarre happenings in recent times, Stokes was nominated for the "New Zealander of the Year" award by the country, thanks to his Maori ancestry. 

Stokes, who was born in Christchurch, moved to England as a 12-year-old, and has been living and playing in England ever since, plying his trade with Durham. Stokes, who was England's hero in the final against his birth country, might even have been left embarrassed after New Zealand's decision to nominate him for the award. 

But the all-rounder has finally cleared the air surrounding the issue and has publicly turned down his nomination, stating that it didn't feel right for him to be nominated for the award. The 28-year-old also said that he was proud of his Maori heritage, but insisted there are far more deserving candidates who have done more for New Zealand. He also endorsed Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for the award and pleaded the general public to vote for him. 

"I am flattered to be nominated for New Zealander of the Year. I am proud of my New Zealand and Maori heritage but it would not sit right with me to be nominated for this prestigious award. There are people who deserve this recognition more and have done a lot more for the country of New Zealand," Stokes said in a post on his official Facebook page.

"I have helped England lift a World Cup and my life is firmly established in the UK – it has been since I was 12-years old.

"I feel the whole country should align their support to New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. He should be revered as a kiwi legend. He led his team in this World Cup with distinction and honour. He was the player of the tournament and an inspirational leader of men. He shows humility and empathy to every situation and is an all-round good bloke. He typifies what it is to be a New Zealander. He would be a worthy recipient of this accolade. New Zealand, fully support him. He deserves it and gets my vote." his post further read. 

After being rested for the one-off Test against Ireland, Stokes will now be focusing on helping England to regain the urn, with the first Test starting on August 1. 

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