England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been in the news for the right reasons of late. A man of the match performance in the finals of the World Cup against New Zealand at Lord”s earned him praises. The cricketer is born in New Zealand and he was nominated for the prestigious New Zealander of the year award.

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The cricketing fraternity saw the lighter side to it and took cheeky digs at the cricketer and the particular subject. However, Stokes refused the nomination in a polite manner. Instead, he urged the Kiwis to vote for Kane Williamson. The Blackcaps skipper was adjudged the man of the series as he scored 578 runs and displayed outstanding leadership qualities in the field.

Stokes refuses honorary award, votes for Williamson instead

In a Facebook 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.

Not too long back Stokes conceded 24 runs in an over to hand over the World T20 to the Windies in 2016. He was criticized for his patchy knock during the 2017 Champions Trophy but a stellar show in the finals set things straight for him. “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,” he said.

Stokes said Willaimson deserves to be the ideal choice as he lead his team with utmost humility and class. “He (Kane) should be revered as a Kiwi legend. The guy led his team in this World Cup with distinction and honour. He was the player of the tournament and an inspirational leader of men,” Stokes said, lauding Williamson.

“He typifies what it is to be a New Zealander. Fully support him, he deserves it and gets my vote,” Stokes added.