Ben Stokes has been nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019.
The England cricket hero – who played a vital role as he helped the national team to victory in the Cricket World Cup this year – was the first name announced for the shortlist, with ‘Shape of You’ star Ed Sheeran revealed the news.
He said: "Hey Ben Stokes. You are a Sports Personality of the Year nominee. Congratulations.
"I think you should win because you’re a World Cup winner. You had one of the most amazing performances in the World Cup final.
"Just one month later you scored 135 not out to level England in the Ashes and you were also England’s top scorer with 441."
The nominations are being revealed on Monday (25.11.19), and grime superstar Stormzy has confirmed sprinter Dina Asher-Smith is also in the running.
The athlete became the first British woman to win a major global sprint title when she captured the 200m gold at the World Championships in Doha, as she also set a new personal best and national record of 21.88 seconds.
In a video announcing the nomination, the rapper encouraged fans to vote for her as he said: "So please, please vote for Dina Asher-Smith as your BBC Sporst Personality of the Year. She’s the GOAT!"
The prestigious annual awards will take place at the P&J Live in Aberdeen on December 15 as the ceremony airs on BBC One at 7pm.
Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan are all set to return as hosts, with a public vote during the live show deciding who will be crowned Sports Personality of the Year.
Ben Stokes nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019
