England’s ace all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to be knighted for his Man-of-the-Match performance in the World Cup 2019 final against New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday (July 14).
Stokes's played an unbeaten knock of 98-ball 84 which helped England to level New Zealand's score of 241 and then he scored 8 in the Super Over which also ended in a tie. The hosts were eventually declared winner as they hit more boundaries in the match. While the Black Caps scored 17 boundaries in total, England were far more superior in that department, having struck 26 fours and sixes.
On Monday (July 15), the triumphant English cricket team went to a reception hosted by British Prime Minister Theresa May at Downing Street. While the outgoing PM congratulated Eoin Morgan and company for their historic accomplishment, the next two contenders for the PM's post have assured of a knighthood for Stokes.
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt, one of whom will replace May later this month, both pledged to honour the star all-rounder.
"I will give dukedoms, whatever - I will go to the maximum, to, what, the Garter King of Arms. Yes is the answer, absolutely," Boris Johnson said as he answered a rapid-fire series of 'yes or no' questions at the end of the leadership debate, hosted by The Sun and talkRADIO.
When the same question was asked to Hunt, he replied succinctly: "Of course".
Ben Stokes was consistent throughout England’s memorable campaign. While the 28-year-old amassed 465 runs in the World Cup in 10 innings, he also finished the tournament with seven wickets to his name.
After England’s triumph, skipper Eoin Morgan had also lauded Stokes for his "superhuman" effort in the summit clash.
"To come through it is extraordinary. He's almost superhuman. He really carried the team and our batting line-up. I know Jos [Buttler] and his partnership was extraordinary, but to bat with the lower order the way he did, I thought, was incredible," Morgan had told reporters.
"Ben on numerous occasions has stood up individually and in a unit for us. He leads the way in training, in any team meetings we have, and he's an incredible cricketer. And today he's had a huge day out and obviously we are thankful for that," he added.
