Ben Stokes likely to play for Canterbury again

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was cleared by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) despite being charged with affray by Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). It was being speculated that he might feature in the ongoing ODI series against Australia down under. However, it seems that the all-rounder might return to New Zealand to play for Canterbury in order to keep himself ready for the international return.

Stokes was charged with an affray by the CPS following his involvement in the ugly brawl in Bristol in September. Two other men have also been charged along with him and the England youngster has been told to appear before the court for the hearing on February 13. This might delay his return to the highest level as he was in the upcoming T20I tri-series involving Australia and New Zealand down under.

Though he is looking to keep himself ready by playing in the 50-over tournament in New Zealand which resumes on Saturday this week.

Need extra time for mental and physical preparation

England coach Trevor Bayliss informed that Ben Stokes is deliberating over featuring in the domestic cricket for Canterbury in the Kiwi nation. He also added that Stokes himself has delayed his return citing need of extra time to get mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming international stint.

“He hasn’t played any cricket for a little while so it was basically my thought that he should start in New Zealand. It allows him a little bit of time to get up to speed. I haven’t even had an opportunity to speak to him yet about what his programme might be leading into that series but from our point of view his main focus going forward will probably be the New Zealand ODIs. What that might entail? We will have to a closer look at that over the next day or so and try to work out what’s the best for him,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.

He also went on to add that the team is happy after hearing the news of Stokes being available once again for his country. “From our point of view here we have just been concentrating on playing cricket, without him to begin with, but everyone involved here with the squad, and the coaches, are very happy that he is now available again,” Bayliss concluded.

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