Stokes plots Ashes recall, via Rangiora
Suspended English cricket star Ben Stokes could feature for Canterbury at the the humble surroundings of Rangiora’s Mainpower Oval on Sunday.
Canterbury Cricket confirmed yesterday they are in discussions with representatives of Stokes, who was born in Christchurch. His parents, Gerard and Deb, still live in the city.
Stokes departed the UK for Christchurch yesterday to visit family and work on his game, while he waits to discover whether he can join England’s Ashes tour in Australia. He is expected to land in Christchurch today.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are open to the prospect of the powerful all-rounder playing domestic matches for Canterbury, but it is far from a done deal.
Canterbury Cricket chief executive Jez Curwin acknowledged talks were under way.
He remained optimistic they could sign the 26-year-old. ‘‘I’ve seen the photo [on Twitter] and he’s got his cricket kit with him, so there’s an intention for him, whether it be training or playing.’’
Curwin said several barriers had to be overcome before Stokes could represent the province. There would need to be sign-off from both NZC and Canterbury’s board. Stokes’ representatives would also have to agree to terms.
If a deal is reached, Stokes could be playing as early as Sunday in Canterbury’s 50-over Ford Trophy opener against Otago at Rangiora.
Stokes was suspended from England’s Ashes tour after being arrested following an alleged latenight pub fight in Bristol that left a man in hospital with facial injuries. He remains under investigation by police.
If Stokes did play for Canterbury, he would be filling the void of young batsman Ken McClure, who has stood down from representative cricket after pleading guilty on Friday to one count of injuring with reckless disregard.
Curwin said they had plenty to weigh up surrounding Stokes’ investigation. McClure turned out for Canterbury until pleading guilty, while Stokes had not yet been charged.
‘‘We’d have to look at the circumstances as they are. It’s all about where he is in his process – being charged, not being charged. Again, we’d have to look at the whole package as an entirety rather than pick every element.’’
Canterbury might be able to get Stokes at a discounted price if he is eager to get some much-needed cricket under his belt before a possible Ashes return.
‘‘I don’t know whether it will be on the cheap,’’ Curwin said.
‘‘There’s a host of commercial considerations as well. The contact we’ve had from all over the world with this has given us a bit of a taste of what the profile is like, should it happen.’’
An unverified photo of Stokes at Heathrow Airport on Monday with his cricket gear sent speculation
into overdrive on social media that he was headed to Adelaide to take part in the second test against Australia, which begins on Saturday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Stokes was on his way to New Zealand.
‘‘The ECB is aware that Ben Stokes is making a private trip to New Zealand to spend time with his family. His travel arrangements have not been arranged by the ECB,’’ they said in a statement.
‘‘He is not on his way to the Ashes, England Lions or any other official training camps with the England setup.’’
Stokes was sorely missed in the first test in Brisbane as England suffered a 10-wicket defeat.
England director of cricket Andrew Strauss said on Sunday they were no closer to hearing whether Stokes will face criminal charges for the incident. Until that is decided, England cannot begin their disciplinary process to decide whether he will play in the Ashes.
England opted not to allow him to tour Australia until the police matter is addressed, but his travel may fuel speculation he is a chance to play in the third test in Perth, starting on December 14.