Ben Stokes nominated for New Zealander of the Year award

The 28-year-old England allrounder, who was man of the match in their World Cup final over New Zealand at Lord's, was born in Christchurch before moving to the UK

England allrounder Ben Stokes has been nominated for the New Zealander of the Year award.

The 28-year-old was nominated after being named man of the match as England claimed their maiden World Cup triumph with victory over New Zealand at Lord's on Sunday.

Stokes, who was born in Christchurch in June 1991, moved to England aged 12, and despite the heartbreak he inflicted on New Zealand he has been put forward as a name who could win the award.

Chief judge Cameron Bennett said: "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."

The New Zealand public nominates "inspirational Kiwis", and those who they believe have made a "significant contribution to our nation and make us proud of our country".

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has also been nominated and will prove to be a stern competitor for the award for Stokes after the Black Caps batsman was named player of the tournament at the World Cup. 

Nominations close in September before a judging panel creates a shortlist on 10 candidates which will be announced in December. The final winner is then chosen at an awards ceremony in February.

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