Stokes ‘delighted’ as he resumes England career

Cricket: All-rounder to rejoin tourists for T20s in New Zealand

Ben Stokes says he is “extremely delighted” to be back in the frame for England selection.

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced yesterday that the all-rounder is due to rejoin the team in February for the T20s in New Zealand.

Stokes was charged on Monday by the Crown Prosecution Service over an incident in Bristol in September last year but, having been unavailable since his initial arrest, he can now resume his international career.

The 26-year-old wrote on Twitter: “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 a honour.

“I’m extremely delighted to be given this opportunity to do this again.

“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.”

England face Australia in the second of five one-day internationals tomorrow, but Stokes is not set to link back up with the side until the latter part of the subsequent Twenty20 Tri-series involving both sides and New Zealand.

The delay in Stokes’ availability for the tri-series is believed to be in case there is a court appearance he would have to attend.

If all goes to plan, the 26-year-old could return to England colours against the Blacks Caps on February 13 and 18.

Stokes has already played a handful of games in New Zealand, the country of his birth, after the ECB cleared him to join Canterbury Kings while they unsuccessfully contested the Ashes in his absence.

Alex Hales, who was present with Stokes on the night in question, has already returned to the England side after Avon and Somerset Police made it clear no charges would be brought against him.

Both he and Stokes still face an internal investigation from the ECB’S independent cricket discipline commission but that will not begin until the legal process has run its course.

Scotland will today bid to avenge their latest defeat to Ireland when the old foes square-up again in Dubai.

Grant Bradburn’s side slid to a heavy six-wicket defeat in their opening Tri-series clash on Tuesday, meaning the Irish have now won six of the last seven ODI clashes between the pair.

And the coach may ring the changes as he seeks a winning formula ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in March.

One change may be enforced as Tom Sole, fresh from an encouraging international debut, is struggling with a hand knock.

Forfarshire all-rounders Scott Cameron and Michael Leask are on standby and both could play.

Bradburn said: “We must try to come out of the blocks faster as we were definitely sluggish on Tuesday and found ourselves playing catch-up.

“The purpose of this trip was always to try new combinations and put players in different positions and that will continue.”

One player sure to start is opening batsman Michael Jones who scored an accomplished 87 on his international debut on Tuesday.

Ben Stokes is to return for England.