Ben Stokes did a fantastic job in the Cricket World Cup Final 2019 to help England beat New Zealand in a nail-biting Super Over Final to clinch its maiden title on Sunday, 14th July, and not only made his country proud but also his family with his timely efforts at Lord’s.
After thrilling World Cup success, Stokes’ father Gerard revealed that he was cheering for New Zealand in the final at Lord’s, though, said he was overjoyed for the all-rounder and the newest champions, but he is still a Kiwi supporter being a New Zealander.
Noteworthy, the 28-year-old all-rounder was born in New Zealand but moved to England at the age of 12 after his father Gerard took a rugby league coaching contract in Cumbria, though, Stokes has now settled down to England but his parents still stay in New Zealand.
Senior Stokes further added he had mixed feelings as the Black Caps missed to clinched the title, but was ‘overjoyed’ to see his son’s match-winning performance for England at Lord’s.
As per reports in stuff.co.nz, Gerard said: “I really am disappointed for the Black Caps; it’s such a shame someone had to walk away without the trophy. Hand on heart, I am overjoyed for Ben and the team, but I am still a New Zealand supporter. I don’t think they would have been able to hold him back. He’s was obviously fatigued but he’s pretty fit at the moment and all the hard work has paid off.”
He signed off by saying, “He’ll be feeling for the Black Caps, but not as countrymen, He would have thought how the New Zealand boys would be feeling. They are very close units; both teams get on well and respect each other.”
(With stuff.co.nz Inputs)
