Stokes named in ICC's Test and one-day international teams of 2017
Thursday 18 January 2018 08:02, UK
Ben Stokes says he is "extremely delighted" to be given the opportunity to play for England again, after being cleared by the ECB to feature in the T20 series against New Zealand.
The Durham all-rounder was suspended from playing for England by the ECB following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September, which resulted in him missing the Ashes series against Australia.
In a statement on Twitter, Stokes said: "Representing my country is one of the greatest things that I've ever been lucky enough to do.
"Walking out on the field 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 has not played for England since their ODI victory over the Windies in September.
However, after the ECB informed the England selectors of their decision, Stokes could make his international comeback against New Zealand on Tuesday, February 13, live on Sky Sports.
During the Ashes series, Stokes was given approval to travel to New Zealand where he played six matches for Canterbury Kings.
Stokes has also been named in the ICC's Test and one-day international teams of 2017 - Stokes scored 527 runs at 43.91 in his seven Tests last year, with 16 wickets, while in 15 ODIs he scored 616 runs at 61.60 and claimed 14 wickets.
The 26-year-old is one of four players to feature in both teams, alongside India captain Virat Kohli - who was named international cricketer and ODI player of the year - Australia opener David Warner and South Africa's wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.
Steve Smith was named Test player of the year, while Women's World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole was awarded the ICC's spirit of cricket award for consoling South African players after she hit the winning runs in England's semi-final victory.
ICC Test team of the year: D Elgar (SA), D Warner (Aus), V Kohli (Ind), S Smith (Aus), C Pujara (Ind), B Stokes (Eng), Q de Kock (SA), R Ashwin (Ind), M Starc (Aus), K Rabada (SA), J Anderson (Eng)
ICC ODI team of the year: D Warner (Aus), V Kohli (Ind), R Sharma (Ind), B Azam (Pak), AB de Villers (SA), Q de Kock (SA), B Stokes (Eng), T Boult (NZ), H Ali (Pak), R Khan (Afg), J Bumrah (Ind)
