NZ deal Stokes Ashes rumours

– Ben Stokes (above) is set to return to competitive cricket as early as Sunday after joining New Zealand province Canterbury in a move certain to fuel speculation that the suspended all-rounder is in line for a recall to England’s Ashes squad.

Stokes was omitted from the England touring party to Australia and remains suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation into an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

However, Canterbury Cricket Association (CCA) Director of Cricket Gary Stead confirmed the 26-year-old had signed as an overseas player and would be available for a one-day match against Otago on Sunday in Rangiora, near Christchurch.

“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,” Stead said in a statement yesterday.

“While Ben awaits the outcome of an investigation underway in the UK, he wants to maintain his fitness and his connection with the game.”

The confirmation came a day after police said they had passed a case file to Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service and were seeking advice over whether to bring charges against Stokes following his arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.

The police said that a 27-yearold man had “suffered a fractured eye socket” in the incident.

The CCA said Stokes’s signing had been agreed by the England and Wales Cricket Board and sanctioned by New Zealand Cricket.

New Zealand-born Stokes arrived at Christchurch airport on Wednesday. –