England World Cup winner Ben Stokes ended a dream 2019 by clinching BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award. Stokes' performances in the World Cup final, which England won against New Zealand, and his heroics in the third Ashes test helped him bag public vote for the award.
Stokes, who had an unforgettable English summer, moved ahead of six-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton and world 200-meter champion Dina Asher-Smith at Sunday's ceremony in Aberdeen.
Lewis Hamilton came second followed by British Sprinter Dina Asher-Smith in the grand award ceremony.
Stokes is only the fifth cricketer, and the first since Andrew Flintoff in 2005, to win BBC's annual sporting award since it began in 1954.
The Englishman in his acceptance speech thanked his team mates and coaching staff while showing gratitude to those who had helped him through a tough 2018.
"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 teammates, coaches and without that effort you put in, I wouldn't be up here receiving this award so thank you so much," Stokes said after winning the award.
"Two years ago, was a tough time for me in my life. I've had so many people help me through that," the 28-year-old Stokes said as he accepted the award on stage”, he further added.
In 2018, Stokes was involved in a late-night street brawl in Bristol last September. He was later cleared of the assault charges.
England's World Cup side were also recognised in the team of the year category as the men's one-day team were declared Team of the Year for their World Cup win, while Jos Buttler's run-out of Martin Guptill to seal the trophy in the final was voted Greatest Sporting Moment of 2019.
England players also applauded Stoke’s achievement. Eoin Morgan, who led the English team to the World Cup triumph said, "Ben is a thoroughly deserving winner. The team always comes first for Ben and he gives everything for the boys around him. He’s a great man to have in the dressing room and so talented with bat and ball."
Added Joe Root, the Test captain, "When his team really needed him in 2019, Ben delivered and he truly deserves this accolade. We’re looking forward to him joining us in South Africa and we’re hoping for more fireworks from Ben in the series down here and for many years to come."
