Former and current cricketers react after Ben Stokes is conferred with BBC Sports Personality of the Year award

The English all-rounder had endured a tumultuous one-and-a-half year leading into 2019.

By CricTracker Staff verified

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Ben Stokes
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Ben Stokes. (Photo Source: Twitter)

If the saying ‘adversity brings out a beast in you’, had a face to it, it would have to be of England’s all-rounder Ben Stokes. It was one hell of a year for the New Zealand-born English all-rounder, where he transcended the limits as to what is possible on a cricket field, not once, but twice!

And, rightly so, for all his contributions in the 12-month period, Benjamin Stokes was awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Stokes became the first English cricketer after Andrew Flintoff‘s 2005 Ashes-winning heist after the former spearheaded his side in not only the World Cup-winning heist against New Zealand at Lord’s before helping the three Lions to a dramatic one-wicket win at Headingley.

The English all-rounder finished ahead of six-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished as runners-up for the second successive season. The other athletes, who were vying for the coveted honour were Raheem Sterling, the Wales rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones, and the world champion heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

2019 was a year of redemption for Ben Stokes

This is a redemption of sorts for Ben Stokes. The English all-rounder had endured a tumultuous one-and-a-half year leading into 2019 where he was involved in a court case for his involvement in the Bristol brawl back in late 2017, and the all-rounder thanked everyone who supported him during that period.

“Two years ago was a tough time for me in my life. I’ve had so many people help me through that. There’s so many people you feel you have to thank when you’re up here. It’s an individual award, but I play a team sport and one of the great things about that is you get to share special moments with those team-mates, coaches and without that effort, you put in, I wouldn’t be up here receiving this award so thank you so much,” said Stokes was quoted by India.com after receiving the award.

“Two years ago was a tough time for me in my life and I’ve had so many people help me through that. My fantastic manager and friend Neil Fairbrother, you’re more than an agent, you’re an incredible man. I don’t know how you’ve put up with Andrew Flintoff and me, you and [Fairbrother’s wife] Audrey, you’re incredible people,” he added.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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