Canterbury confirms Ben Stokes' inclusion

Much talked about England all-rounder Ben Stokes has inked a deal with New Zealand’s state team Canterbury as the overseas player for the ongoing domestic season. Stokes’ presence was sanctioned by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Thursday (November 30) after agreement with the Canterbury Cricket Association, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and New Zealand Cricket Players Association.

Stokes will turn out against Otago in their Ford Trophy match on 3rd December. This will be Stokes’ first appearance since his infamous brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol, where he fractured his hand. The England national team are currently participating in the Ashes and rumors of the controversial all-rounder coming on board is getting strong.

On the all-round ability

“After the approach from Ben’s representatives’ everything has happened very quickly for us to the extent that we are now delighted to welcome Ben into the team,” said CCA Director of Cricket Gary Stead. “Ben will bring international experience to what is a relatively youthful changing room. He will also bring depth to our seam attack which has been affected by a string of injuries and provide more balance and firepower to our batting line up.

Invaluable experience

“While Ben awaits the outcome of an investigation underway in the UK, he wants to maintain his fitness and his connection with the game. He is a brilliant all-round player and we are really pleased to have secured one of the world’s best players in our domestic competition. His experience will be invaluable to our young cricketers as we look defend our Ford Trophy title and improve performances in the Burger King Super Smash. The team have expressed their excitement about the opportunity to learn from and play with Ben,” Stead added.

Canterbury’s CEO Jez Curwin clarified club’s stand on Stokes’ issue  and his eligibility.”While it would be easy to draw direct comparisons between the position taken recently with another player, we have to reiterate that in that situation the player was free to play until such time as he pleaded guilty to the charges,” he said.