Ben Stokes to miss out on Sports Personality of the Year 2019: Report

Ben Stokes had a stunning year with England that saw him earn the status of a national hero. Not very long ago, Stokes’ international career was in turmoil due to the Bristol incident. But the England allrounder managed to get over it and became a fan favourite with his stunning exploit in this year’s historic summer.

He was the man of the match in the World Cup final, scoring 84 to help England beat New Zealand and win their first-ever 50-over World Cup. Just a few days later, he also produced one of the greatest Test innings of all time against Australia at Headingley, scoring 135 not out to secure a thrilling one-wicket win.

Stokes’ World Cup and Ashes triumphs came in July and August respectively

Despite the historic year in cricket, Ben Stokes is reportedly set to miss out on the 2019 Sports Personality of the Year Award. According to Daily Star, Formula one star Lewis Hamilton is set to pip Stokes to the prestigious award. The award, which was first handed out back in 1954, is awarded to the sportsperson voted by the public as most deserving for their achievements in the calendar year.

The bookmakers have analysed how the public have voted throughout the history of the award to reveal which candidate has the best chance of lifting the trophy on Sunday night.  And they are convinced that everything is in favour of Hamilton. According to their research, individual male athletes receive most of the votes, while it is also important for nominees to have hit the headlines as late as possible in the year due to the British public’s short memories.

And Unlike Stokes, Hamilton recently enjoyed another success. While Stokes was busy in New Zealand where England lost the Test series, Hamilton swept up his sixth World Championship at the start of November. In the process, he became the second most successful driver in the competition’s history behind Michael Schumacher.

On the other hand, Stokes’ World Cup and Ashes triumphs came in July and August respectively. Thus, most of the voters will have Hamilton’s recent title on their minds when they vote. As well as Hamilton and Stokes, athletes Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson, footballer Raheem Sterling and rugby union star Alun Wyn Jones have been nominated too.

Watch: South African spinner bowls with both hands in MSL 2019