Ben Stokes wins Sportsman of the Year at the SJA awards

2019 has been surely the year of Ben Stokes as he has been a part of two of the best heroic acts in the history of Test cricket. The New Zealand-born all-rounder played a blinder of a knock in the World Cup final against New Zealand which led to England winning in the Super Over on boundary count. England finally won the World Cup for the first time ever in their cricketing history and it is a pivotal moment that has encouraged more and more youth to aspire to play for the England cricket team.

Another heroic act came in the Third Ashes Test against Australia at Leeds when he smashed a hundred and single-handedly helped England chase down a target of 356 in the fourth innings by playing arguably the greatest Test innings under pressure. Although Australia later regained the Ashes, the Leeds win ensured that England levelled the series and had a chance to play for pride. Six-time Formula One Champion Lewis Hamilton ended up in second place while England and Manchester City football player Raheem Sterling finished third.

Stokes was not present at the occasion to receive the award as he is currently on national duty away in New Zealand. However, the all-rounder took out time to thank all the people that helped him reach the stage he is at today.

" Hi guys, thank you so much for this award and really sorry that I can't be there. 2019 has been a fantastic year for everyone associated with England Cricket, one that we will always be able to look back with fond memories," Stokes said in a video tweeted by England Cricket.

"It's been an enjoyable summer and the team has done a fantastic job, obviously the World Cup was the pinnacle of that and I am glad that we sort of managed to get cricket back to the minds of the next generation. So thanks again for the award and have a great night!" he concluded.