Ben Stokes 'looking forward to getting out there' in Canterbury debut on Sunday
England all-rounder set to play first game in over two months against Otago on Sunday
Saturday 2 December 2017 08:49, UK
Ben Stokes says he is "looking forward to getting out there and hopefully winning" as he prepares for his Canterbury debut on Sunday.
The all-rounder is poised to play his first game since September when he lines up against Otago in New Zealand's domestic 50-over competition.
Stokes is currently suspended from England duty following his arrest in Bristol in September on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.
Avon & Somerset Police has concluded its investigation and passed its file onto the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for charging advice.
"I'd been working hard back home so it'll be good to put into practice," said Stokes after training with his new team-mates for the first time.
"I think it'll be good for the club as well, so I'm looking forward to getting out there and hopefully winning.
"I knew a few of the younger guys because they'd been coming over to Durham on an exchange programme.
"It's always hard coming into a new team when you're meeting them for the first time so it was nice to see a few friendly faces."
Canterbury director of cricket Gary Stead said: "Ben is just desperate to play cricket.
"I hope his performances show why he is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world. He really reminded me of a young kid just wanting to get out there and play.
"There has been more media around, but I don't see it as a problem. One, it is very good for our game, and secondly it is great for our players to get used to that."
