Stokes finally finds some form

WELLINGTON: Banned England cricketer Ben Stokes finally found some form while playing in New Zealand as he smashed 93 in Canterbury’s domestic T20 match against Otago in Christchurch yesterday.

Stokes has signed a shortterm contract with Canterbury after being banned from the England team by the country’s cricket board, pending the outcome of a police investigation into an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September this year.

The 26-year-old smashed seven sixes and six fours in his 47-ball innings at the Hagley Oval as the home team scored 217/9 in their 20 overs.

The England all-rounder, who was born in Christchurch, had struggled in his few appearances for Canterbury so far, scoring just 36 runs in his three oneday matches and taking one wicket.

Stokes also took a catch and finished with figures of 1/17 from two overs as Canterbury won the game by 134 runs with New Zealand leg-spinner Todd Astle taking 3/18 in 2.4 overs. – Reuters