ENGLAND STAR’S EXILE OVER AT LAST... AND NOW HE’LL HEAD FOR NEW ZEALAND TO PLAY T20 SERIES

England’s tour of australia and new Zealand took a huge twist yesterday when it was confirmed that Ben stokes will end his international exile next month after an ECB board edict. The decision to lift his suspension from selection came 48 hours after the Crown Prosecution service charged the 26-year-old plus two others with affray after the Bristol brawl last september that placed his England career on hold. Technically, stokes is available with immediate effect, but a return date of mid-February was decided after consultation with England coach Trevor Bayliss. The durham all-rounder will not travel for the current five-match gillette series against australia, but is set to join the Twenty20 squad in Wellington ahead of England’s third match in the T20 Tri-series against australia and new Zealand. There were concerns that flying him to australia would create an unnecessary media circus and act as a distraction to the England one-day squad. It is anticipated that a return to action in his native new Zealand on February 13 will be much lower key, while the delay allows him extra time for physical and mental preparation. The only time stokes could face australia is if both teams reach the T20 final on February 21. The ECB have consistently named stokes in their squads so as not to be seen to prejudice the legal process. But they opted not to pick him or include him in the tour parties. Clearance to do so came after the 13-strong board convened on Tuesday and legal advice was taken. ‘Following a full board discussion . . . the ECB board has agreed that Ben stokes should now be considered for England selection,’ read a statement. ‘ECB fully respects the legal process and the player’s intention to defend himself against the charge.’ In reaching their decision the ECB considered precedents in other sports as well as cricket. Cases like Jonathan Woodgate and John Terry were discussed, with the Fa’s handling of Woodgate considered particularly relevant. after an incident in leeds in January 2000 the Fa decided that the defender would not be allowed to play for his country until a court case had been concluded and any punishment had been served. Woodgate was convicted of affray in december 2001 and had to

serve 100 hours’ community service. He missed both Euro 2000 and the World Cup in 2002. The distinction the ECB made was the fact that, unlike England footballers, England cricketers are centrally contracted. A consideration for the ECB board, which convened via satellite link, was the fact that Stokes could have challenged their decision legally had they extended his ban until after the legal process has been concluded. Central to his argument could have been that 12 months or more on the sidelines — not inconceivable given how long it could take to get the matter to court — would have been disproportionate to the alleged offence, as he has already missed out on the Ashes. It is understood clarification has been sought from the Crime Prosecution Service as to whether Stokes would have to attend a yet-to-be-scheduled first date at Bristol Magistrates’ Court in person or submit papers. On being charged, Stokes released a statement on Twitter, saying: ‘I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one, the same day as the incident, and have cooperated at each step of the police inquiry. ‘I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but, on advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial. ‘The CPS decision to charge me, as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, at least means that my account of what happened that night can come out in court and be made public. Until then my focus is very much on cricket.’ Last night, he again turned to Twitter, writing: ‘Representing my country is one of the greatest things that I’ve ever been lucky enough to do, walking out on to the field with the England shirt on is a privilege and an honour. I’m extremely delighted to be given this opportunity to do this again. I can’t wait to get back out on a pitch with the 3 Lions on my chest and feeling that pride that we all get and giving everything for the team.’ In addition to the T20 triangular, Stokes has been included in England’s Test squad for the tour of New Zealand. Stokes has also been granted a no objection certificate to play in the Indian Premier League. Last year, he was the most expensive purchase when Pune secured him for £1.7million, and he is expected to be one of the most sought-after lots in the 2018 auction. Court proceedings could yet affect his future plans and there is also an ECB disciplinary commission hearing for Stokes and Alex Hales, also present when the fight broke out outside the Mbargo nightclub, once the legal case concludes.