Couple defended by Ben Stokes in a brawl outside Mbargos call for him to be knighted after his Ashes triumph

A couple saved by cricketer Ben Stokes outside Mbargos nightclub in 2017 are calling for him to be knighted after his performance at the Ashes.

Kai Barry and William O'Connor were protected by Stokes after a group hurled homophobic abuse at them on September 25, 2017.

They now say that Stokes should be knighted after saving England's position with his 135 not out on Sunday.

Kai Barry (source: Facebook)

In an interview with The Sun, Mr Barry said: "There's no question he should get a knighthood. He saved us, now he's saved the Ashes.

"I thought he was just a normal lad, sticking up for someone who was weaker than he was, which was quite nice.

"When I realised who he was I thought 'fair play', because obviously he's put his career on risk for someone he never knew."

Stokes was arrested on assault charges after a man ended up in the BRI with minor facial injuries. Speaking after the trial, Mr O'Connor said: "He could see the people doing what they were doing and how homophobic they were and how nasty they came across."

Mbargo Nightclub

England appeared to be facing certain defeat at 286-9 chasing 359, after being bowled out for a low 67 in the first innings. Stokes' unbeaten 135 saw them victorious.

Stokes' performance at the Ashes is being praised as one of the most incredible displays from an English cricketer in 142 years of Test cricket.

He has even had a special mention from the PM. Speaking at the G7 summit in Biarritz on Monday night, Boris Johnson gushed at Stokes' heroics. He said: "I thought it was one of the most extraordinary things I've ever seen, the shorts I saw were absolutely incredible.

"I think I've already promised that Ben Stokes should get a dukedom, so I can't go any higher than that.

"Clearly it's not a matter for me. There's some honours committee or other and I am sure that they will take the appropriate decision in due course."