England hero nominated for New Zealander of the year award

World Cup winner Ben Stokes has curiously been nominated for the New Zealander of the year award just days after his resolute performance condemned New Zealand to World Cup final heartache.

Stokes’ full array of guts and determination were on display on Sunday as the all-rounder willed England to their maiden World Cup success thanks in no small part to his unbeaten knock of 84.

However, Stokes was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, before moving with his family to England at a young age.

His parents moved back to their home country when Stokes had reached adulthood, leaving the Durham man to carve out a cricketing career in his adopted nation.

In a somewhat humorous twist, several New Zealanders have nominated Stokes for the award, along with the inspirational  Black Caps captain Kane Williamson.

Speaking on Williamson and Stokes’ surprise nomination, the head judge – Cameron Bennett – told the New Zealand Herald: “The way he (Williamson) conducted himself, not only in the face of such devastating disappointment at Lord’s but throughout the tournament, resonated powerfully with Kiwis from all walks of life.

“Interesting to see some character having a bob each way: we also received nominations for England’s Ben Stokes.

“He 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.”