Ben Stokes signs for Canterbury and is set to make debut on Sunday
Thursday 30 November 2017 16:31, UK
Ben Stokes has signed for Canterbury as their overseas player and is expected to make his debut against Otago in the Ford Trophy on Sunday.
The all-rounder, who is currently suspended from playing for England by the ECB, arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday.
His selection has been approved by the England Cricket Board, New Zealand Cricket and the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association.
There was speculation he would be joining up with the Ashes squad after he was spotted at Heathrow Airport with his cricket gear but he has now joined Canterbury to play in their domestic league.
Stokes could yet play some part in the Ashes, although that depends on whether the Crown Prosecution Service decides to charge him after he was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in Bristol on September 25.
"After the approach from Ben's representatives, everything has happened very quickly for us to the extent that we are now delighted to welcome Ben into the team," said Canterbury director of cricket Gary Stead.
"Ben will bring international experience to what is a relatively youthful changing room. He will also bring depth to our seam attack which has been affected by a string of injuries and provide more balance and firepower to our batting line up.
"While Ben awaits the outcome of an investigation underway in the UK, he wants to maintain his fitness and his connection with the game.
"He is a brilliant all-round player and we are really pleased to have secured one of the world's best players in our domestic competition.
"His experience will be invaluable to our young cricketers as we look defend our Ford Trophy title and improve performances in the Burger King Super Smash.
"The team have expressed their excitement about the opportunity to learn from and play with Ben."
