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Overjoyed for son, but was supporting New Zealand: Kiwi-born Ben Stokes' father reacts after England WC win
Ben Stokes originally belongs to New Zealand, but had moved to England when he was 12, here his cricket journey started. Ben's parents were supporting New Zealand in the World Cup 2019 finals, and had mixed feelings after their son handed the Kiwis a heartbreaking loss.
The England team is one of the most diverse cricket teams in the world, housing players from various countries. While Jofra Archer is originally from West Indies and became eligible to play for England only in May, opener Jason Roy is from South Africa. The other members in the World Cup winning squad who have roots elsewhere are Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali (both Pakistan) and Ben Stokes, who is from New Zealand and shifted to England when he was 12 years of age.
Stokes was the Player of the Match in the epic World Cup 2019 final against New Zealand, scoring a crucial fifty after his team had lost early wickets in the run chase of 241. While he sent his adopted country England into jubilation after his stellar efforts, Stokes' parents, who are currently based in Christchurch, New Zealand had mixed emotions after the game.
Gerard and Deb Stokes had moved to England a few years ago where Gerard took up a rugby coaching contract, but moved back to their country soon after. However, Ben started his cricketing journey in England and soon turned out for the national team.
Gerard admitted that he feels like the most hated father in New Zealand after his son handed the Kiwis a heartbreaking loss. The game was tied after 50 overs after Ben scored a fifty and helped his team from a losing position, and was tied once again in the Super Over (in which Ben batted). However, England won as they had more boundaries in the game.
"I've had one or two say I'm probably the most hated father in New Zealand. That was pretty tongue-in-cheek, I hope it was anyway," he joked to 1 News.
"I really am disappointed for the Black Caps; it's such a shame someone had to walk away without the trophy. Hand on heart, I am overjoyed for Ben and the team, but I am still a New Zealand supporter."
However, he was proud of the way his son played in the finals, and also lauded the determination Ben showed to come out for the Super Over after his gruelling fifty.
"I don't think his English mates would have been able to hold him back from coming out to bat in the Super Over. He was obviously fatigued but he's pretty fit at the moment and all the hard work has paid off."
