England all-rounder Ben Stokes has joined first-class New Zealand side Canterbury amid uncertainty over his participation in the Ashes series against Australia.
The Canterbury Cricket Association (CCA) confirmed the signing of Stokes as its overseas player on Thursday, after the 26-year-old touched down in Christchurch midweek.
Christchurch-born Stokes did not travel to Australia with his England team-mates, who suffered a crushing 10-wicket loss in the opening Test in Brisbane, while police investigated the circumstances surrounding his arrest on September 25 in Bristol.
Stokes – suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) when footage of the incident emerged – was released without charge having been detained following an alleged fight with two men outside of a bar.
But Stokes is now set to feature in a Ford Trophy match against Otago on Sunday after his inclusion was sanctioned by the CCA, ECB, the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and New Zealand Cricket, as England prepares to face Australia in the second Test, starting Saturday.
"This is an opportunity that doesn't come too often and Ben's arrival would motivate a youthful side," Canterbury's cricket director and coach, Gary Stead, told Sportstar on Thursday . The coach also admitted that Stokes would play for the stay as long as he is there in Christchurch. "It all depends on whether charges are laid on him back in England. But from cricketing perspective, it is a great news for us to have a star all-rounder around," said Stead.
While Stokes missed the practice session on Thursday, Stead confirmed that he will join the team for training on Saturday. "We will be practising ahead of the game and he will join us then," Stead added.
Stokes has not played competitive cricket for the last couple of months and his Canterbury move could well open doors for cricket again. But then, it all depends on whether the British Police decides to lay charges on the star all-rounder.Stokes inclusion in Canterbury's side comes after the investigation into the September incident was concluded and passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for "charging advice".
The news was confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police on Wednesday.
"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," CCA chief executive Jez Curwin added.
"We believe Ben has the right to be treated the same way as other players. It is also our understanding that Ben would be free to play County cricket in the English domestic competition were they in season.
"Of course, as with all players, we can reassess the situation should it change. Whilst we have spoken to the ECB there are a lot of sensitive facts around Ben's matter that we have not been privy to however having spent time with Ben we are very comfortable that he wants to come to play for Canterbury for all the right reasons and get back on the park.
"The Ashes Series is an obvious connection however that has not been a consideration for us or Ben at this time, he is just keen to be able to work again.
"I have spoken with Ben and he is just really excited to have the opportunity to get back out onto the Oval and play the sport that he loves and is grateful to Canterbury Cricket and New Zealand Cricket for giving him the chance to represent Canterbury Cricket."
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