England cricketer Ben Stokes has capped a superb 2019 with yet another accolade.
Ben Stokes and Jack Leach celebrate their Ashes heroics. Photo: Photosport
The New Zealand-born all-rounder is one of four English players recognised in the annual New Year Honours list.
Stokes has received an OBE, while limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan (CBE), Joe Root (MBE) and Jos Buttler (MBE) were also honoured.
All four were part of the England side who won their first ever 50-over World Cup title in July, after a thrilling final against the Black Caps.
Stokes was named player of the match in the final, hit a match-winning century in England's unlikely win over Australia in the third Ashes Test and earlier this month was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Trevor Bayliss (OBE), who coached England to their World Cup win, and ECB chairman Colin Graves (CBE) were also recognised.
Former England wicketkeeper Alan Knott, a veteran of 95 tests, received an MBE while former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd - who lifted the first ever World Cup title in 1975 followed by a second in 1979 - has been awarded a knighthood.
"We're delighted that so many of the players involved in our historic ICC Men's Cricket World Cup win have been named in the New Year Honours list," ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said in a statement.
"Everyone who works in the game is incredibly proud of Eoin, Ben, Joe and Jos... I'm very pleased, as well, that Trevor Bayliss and Colin Graves have also been recognised.
"There's a nice symmetry to Clive Lloyd being honoured -- he lifted the trophy twice at Lord's -- while Alan Knott should rightly be remembered as one of our finest wicketkeepers."
Morgan, who led England to a Super Over victory over New Zealand in the final, chose to share the accolades with the entire squad.
"The events of that day at Lord's were the result of many years of hard work and dedication," Morgan said.
"I see this honour - and the honours for my team mates - as honours for the whole team, for everything they put into winning that tournament and getting over the line."
- Reuters, RNZ
