Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt promise to make Ben Stokes a knight for World Cup heroics if elected PM

Stokes dragged England from the jaws of defeat and inspired their win against New Zealand in the final

Jack Watson
Tuesday 16 July 2019 15:15 BST
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England's route to Cricket World Cup glory

Prime Minister candidates Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt have each promised to make Ben Stokes a knight following his heroics in the World Cup final if they win the Conservative leadership contest.

Stokes was part of a match-saving 105-run fifth-wicket partnership alongside Jos Buttler as England tied the final against New Zealand. Stokes’ 84 runs and superb knock in the Super Over saw him fall as short as 2-1 to be named Sports Personality of the Year from 28-1 at the start of the morning.

As well as winning the World Cup and the BBC’s prestigious sporting event, Stokes could also be in line for a knighthood.

During a debate hosted by the Sun and talkRADIO, both Hunt and Johnson promised to ensure Stokes is made a knight.

Johnson said: "I will give dukedoms, whatever - I will go to the maximum, to, what, the Garter King of Arms. Yes is the answer, absolutely." While Hunt replied “of course” when asked if Stokes will become a Sir.

The England team mixed with supporters at The Oval following their historic win before being hosted by outgoing Prime Minister in the gardens at Downing Street.

Theresa May, who is a keen cricket fan and was in attendance at Lord’s on Sunday, and said the team had inspired the next generation of cricketers as she addressed Eoin Morgan’s side.

"The final was not just cricket at its best but sport at its best - courage, character, sportsmanship, drama, incredible skill and even the odd slice of luck,” she said.

"It was a fitting end to what has been a great tournament, and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in once again making our country a sporting showcase for the world.

The outgoing Prime Minister is a big cricket fan

"You are a team that represents modern Britain, and that plays like no other side in the world.

"When the odds were against you in the biggest game of your lives, you simply and stubbornly refused to lose.

"It is that determination, that character, that has made you world champions. But more than that, you have made history.

"You have helped the nation fall in love with cricket once again. You have inspired countless future Morgans, Rashids and Archers.

Ben Stokes is in line for a knighthood 

"On behalf of the whole country, congratulations to - and I just want to say this one more time - England's World Cup winners."

The 2005 Ashes-winning England team are remembered for their own reception at Number 10, in well-publicised scenes not replicated by the victorious World Cup squad.

Players including Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen hit the headlines for their indulgence the day after their historic victory.

Michael Vaughan's squad looked the worse for wear when they arrived at Downing Street. Several wore sunglasses to protect tired eyes as they met Tony Blair, his wife Cherie and children Euan and Nicky.

Pietersen admitted it was all a blur, saying: "I don't remember much of it, to be honest. I don't even remember shaking the Prime Minister's hand."

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