England's World Cup Hero Ben Stokes Voted Professional Cricketers' Association Player Of The Year

English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who helped England lay hands on their long awaited and maiden World Cup Trophy, has been voted Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) player of the year. Stokes, who played a pivotal role in England's nerve wrecking win over New Zealand in the World Cup title clash held in July, also proved his mettle in red ball cricket by scoring a game changing 135 to win the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley and keep the series alive. Holders Australia, however, went on to retain the Ashes as the series was drawn 2-2.

🏆 @benstokes38 🔥 @NatWest_Cricket PCA Players' Player of the Year. 💪🏼 The Champion of 2019 Stokes' summer!#PCAawards50 pic.twitter.com/ZQK8AMc7k1

— PCA (@PCA) October 2, 2019

Stokes made 84 not out in the World Cup final, reviving England's hopes against New Zealand, then was chosen to bat in the tie-breaking super over. When that was also tied, England took the trophy because they had hit more boundaries.

"You take a lot of personal pride when you receive this award because it's your peers that vote for you," BBC Sport quoted him as saying. "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," he added.

The 28-year-old edged past Ryan Higgins, Dominic Sibley and Simon Harmer and also became the sixth player to have bagged the Young Player of the Year award and the Player of the Year recognition. England spinner Sophie Ecclestone won the Women's Player of the Summer for the second time while Tom Banton was awarded the Young Player of the Year. Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad were also named the ODI and Test player of the year respectively.