Stokes would be welcomed back with open arms, says Trevor Bayliss

English cricketer Ben Stokes who was charged with affray by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been set a court date of Feb 13.  However, much to his demise, the date clashes with England’s Twenty20 comeback match against New Zealand. Stokes along with two other alleged men, Ryan Hale and Ryan Ali, have to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court to answer charges of affray following a bar brawl in Bristol in the early hours of Sept 25.

England is due to play New Zealand in Wellington on February 13, the first game that Stokes was available for selection. Now his return will be delayed, probably until the start of the ODI series in Hamilton on February 25. Although he was provisionally named in England’s Test and T20 squads, his comeback date was always subject to his legal position.

The Lions and especially the 26-year-old Stokes has had a long winter, who missed the Ashes after being suspended from England’s squad. While the visitors lost the Ashes 4-0 all Stokes could do was watch it from afar.

Head coach Trevor Bayliss keen for Stokes’ return

Head coach Trevor Bayliss has cleared any air of doubt stating that Stokes would be welcomed back “with open arms” by the England squad whenever he returns. The England coach looked keen for Stokes to return and knows how important he is to the team.

He also suggested a preparatory stint in domestic cricket was in the offing but it is understood Canterbury – for whom Stokes represented for a month during his suspension – have not had any contact with the player or his representatives.

Speaking in Brisbane ahead of the second ODI at the Gabba against Australia, Bayliss said, “I’m happy he’s been made available, the players and coaches are looking forward to seeing him. He’s a very popular member of the team and the squad. I’m sure they’ll welcome him back with open arms.”

He added, “We’re fully aware of why he wasn’t available, that’s fair enough … it’s just the way it was. We knew he wasn’t going to be available. We set about competing in that Ashes series knowing we didn’t have him. That’s resigned to history now and we’re looking forward.”