Ben Stokes has politely declined his nomination for New Zealander of the Year and encouraged Kiwis to vote for Black Caps captain Kane Williamson.
Stokes, who was born in Christchurch and moved to Cumbria as a child, was cheekily nominated after winning man of the match in the World Cup final against the Black Caps.
He said: “I am proud of my New Zealand and Maori heritage but it would not sit right with me to win this prestigious 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.
"I feel the whole country should align their support to Kane Williamson. He was the player of the tournament and an inspirational leader of men. He shows humility and empathy and is an all-round good bloke. He typifies what it is to be a New Zealander.”
