Ben Stokes calls for Kane Williamson to win New Zealander of the Year award

The 28-year-old England allrounder was nominated for the award after being named man of the match as his side claimed their maiden World Cup triumph with victory over New Zealand earlier this month

Ben Stokes has called for the country of New Zealand to back captain Kane Williamson for the New Zealander of the Year award.

The England allrounder was announced as a nomination for the award on Friday after his match-winning performance in England's World Cup final victory over New Zealand at Lord's earlier this month.

However, while Stokes, 28, admitted he is proud of his Maori heritage, he admitted that being nominated for the award "would not sit right" with him and has therefore called for Black Caps captain Williamson to be handed the prestigious award.

In a statement on the Phoenix Management Group website, 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. 

^{Ben Stokes has called for co-nominee Kane Williamson to win the award}

"There are people who deserve this recognition more and have done a lot more for the country of New Zealand. 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.

"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 the player of the tournament and an inspirational leader of men. 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 was born in Christchurch in June 1991 but moved to England aged 12, and has since gone on to represent his adopted country in all formats of the game.

Nominations for the award 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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