When Ben Stokes was playing a magnificent inning to keep England’s hopes of a World Cup triumph alive at Lord’s, his father Gerard Stokes was enduring few jibes about being “the most hated father in New Zealand.” Stokes was declared the man of the match for his match-winning innings of 84 as England overcame New Zealand to win their maiden World Cup title. But his father was supporting the Black Caps in the CWC 2019 final. From Brawler to 'Superhuman', Ben Stokes Living a Dream As England Lifts the World Cup.

Incidentally, Stokes was born in New Zealand on June 4, 1991and spent his childhood years in Christchurch. His father was a rugby player in New Zealand. Stokes was 12 when his family moved to England after his father took up a rugby league coaching contract in Cumbria. This Grandmother’s ’Priceless' Reaction to England’s Maiden World Cup Triumph is Unmissable (Watch Video).

But even as Stokes settled in England, his parents rehabilitated to New Zealand. Stokes then went on to become an England cricketer and eventually a national hero for giving the nation its first taste of a World Cup triumph. His father admitted to have mixed feelings as his side – New Zealand – lost but was thrilled to his son’s incredible performance at Lord’s.

“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,” Gerard was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz. “I don’t think they would have been able to hold him back (from coming out to bat for the super over). He’s was obviously fatigued but he’s pretty fit at the moment and all the hard work has paid off.”

The former Kiwi Rugby player also said that Ben will be feeling for the New Zealand cricketers, who lost despite coming so close. “He’ll be feeling for the Black Caps, but not as countrymen, He would have thought how the New Zealand boys would be feeling. They are very close units; both teams get on well and respect each other,” said Gerard.

Stokes was England’s superhero in the final as he almost single-handedly first took the side to a draw after 100 overs were played and then together with Jos Buttler, hit 15 runs in 6 deliveries in the super over. The game was tied both after 50 overs and even after the super over.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2019 07:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).