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Kane Williamson deserves to win New Zealander of the Year award, says Ben Stokes

WION Web Team
New Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Jul 23, 2019, 06:38 PM IST
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Ben Stokes. Photograph:(AFP)

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Stokes, who played a crucial role in England's World Cup victory, was born in New Zealand (Christchurch) and moved to northern England at the age of 12

England's World Cup hero Ben Stokes reacted on being nominated for the New Zealander of the Year award. He said he is flattered but New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson would be a worthy recipient of the prestigious award. 

Stokes, who played a crucial role in England's World Cup victory, was born in New Zealand (Christchurch) and moved to northern England at the age of 12. 

The left-hander played a knock of 84 runs in the final and he went on to amass 465 runs in the World Cup. 

While in an Instagram post, Stokes said, "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," he added. 

"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.

Stokes insisted that Williamson should get the honour as he had led the Kiwis to the World Cup final and was adjudged Player of the Tournament. 

"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 player of the tournament and an inspirational leader of men," he noted.

"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," Stokes signed off. 

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The all-rounder is likely to receive knighthood after showcasing a match-winning performance against New Zealand in the finals of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.