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DELIGHTED Ben Stokes last night admitted that he can’t wait to play for England again. The all-rounder (left) has been cleared to play despite this week being charged with affray following his part in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September. Stokes posted on Twitter last night to reveal his joy. The 26-year-old said: “Representing my country is one of the greatest things that I’ve ever been lucky enough to do. Walking out 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.”

Stokes was suspended after the incident in Bristol and missed the Ashes series. He was charged on Monday.

But yesterday the ECB gave him the go-ahead to return and he’ll be available for the February 13 T20 clash against New Zealand in Wellington.

The ECB said: “Following a full Board discussion, in which all considerations were taken into account, the ECB Board has agreed that Ben Stokes should now be considered for selection.

“Given the CPS decision to charge him and two others with affray, confirmation of his intention to contest the charge and the potential length of time to trial, the Board agreed that it would not be fair, reasonable or proportionate for him to remain unavailable for a further indeterminate period.”

But ex-England skipper Mike Atherton, now a Sky commentator, said: “You’d think there would be some consistency. It seems illogical to change course at this point.”