Stokes set to start Canterbury tales

BEN STOKES will appear for Canterbury in his native New Zealand on Sunday, it has been confirmed, despite Avon and Somerset police passing his file to the Crown Prosecution Service back in the UK. The police cited a ‘27-year-old man suffering a fractured eye socket’, but Canterbury chief executive Jez Curwin suggested Stokes had the right to ply his trade until such time the CPS decide whether to lay a charge. In theory, Stokes could still represent England in the Ashes even if he is charged over the brawl outside Mbargo nightclub in Bristol on September 24, but in that instance the ECB would come under fierce criticism. Regardless, the board will meet within 48 hours of any legal decision, and it is understood Stokes will be free to take on Australia if the CPS decide he doesn’t have a case to answer. That process could takes weeks, and in the meantime Stokes — who will appear as an overseas player — has been welcomed by Canterbury ahead of their 50-over game against Otago. It is understood that he will earn a token fee. Canterbury Cricket deliberated over the wisdom of turning to a player facing a potential criminal charge after one of their regulars, Ken McClure, recently pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in September. But Curwin said: ‘Of course, as with all players, we can reassess the situation should it change.’