Stokes voted PCA Player of the Year

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been voted Professional Cricketers’ Association player of the year.

This summer, the 28-year-old helped England win the World Cup for the first time and made a remarkable unbeaten 135 to win the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley.

“You take a lot of personal pride when you receive this award because it’s your peers that vote for you,” he said. “Earning this award is a huge moment and something I am very gracious of.” Durham’s Stokes won the award ahead of fellow nominees Simon Harmer of Essex, Gloucestershire all-rounder Ryan Higgins and Warwickshire opener Dom Sibley. Stokes made 84 not out in the World Cup final, reviving England’s hopes against New Zealand, then was chosen to bat in the tiebreaking super over. When that was also tied, England took the trophy because they had hit more boundaries.

Six weeks later in the third Test, England needed 73 runs when Stokes was joined by last man Jack Leach. His stunning assault on the Australia bowling gave England a one-wicket victory that kept the series alive. Holders Australia went on to retain the Ashes as the series was drawn 2-2.

“While this is an individual award, it is within a team sport so I am only in this position because of what other guys in our squad have achieved as well,” said Stokes. “What we have done as a team in 2019 is phenomenal. To win the World Cup and draw the Ashes has been a fantastic summer and something I am proud of personally and as a team.”