Ben Stokes cleared to play for England in T20 series in New Zealand
Written by News on 17/01/2018
Ben Stokes has been cleared to play for England in the T20 series in New Zealand, the ECB has confirmed.
Stokes missed this winter’s Ashes series after being suspended from playing for England by the ECB following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.
Stokes has been charged with affray and will appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
The England international was arrested on September 25 and has been charged along with Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26.
The ECB has informed the England selectors of their decision and Stokes is expected to join the squad in New Zealand for February’s T20 Tri-series, live on Sky Sports.
In a statement, the ECB said: “Following a full Board discussion, in which all considerations were taken into account, the ECB Board has agreed that Ben Stokes should now be considered for England selection.
“Given the CPS decision to charge him and two others with affray, confirmation of his intention to contest the charge and the potential length of time to trial, the Board agreed that it would not be fair, reasonable or proportionate for Ben Stokes to remain unavailable for a further indeterminate period.
“ECB fully respects the legal process and the player’s intention to defend himself against the charge.”
The ECB confirmed in December that the independent Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) would delay the internal disciplinary process for both Stokes and Hales until the conclusion of court proceedings relating to the incident in Bristol.
Stokes, who has not played for England since their ODI victory over Windies in September, was included in the squad for the T20 series but his participation had remained a doubt prior to Tuesday’s announcement by the ECB.
The Durham all-rounder was given approval to travel to New Zealand where he played six matches for Canterbury Kings and visited his extended family.
Stokes has also made himself available to play in this year’s Indian Premier League after the ECB had given him permission to do so.
Watch England’s tour of New Zealand in full live on Sky Sports Cricket, starting with the first of three T20s on Tuesday, February 13, at 6am.
(c) Sky News 2018: Ben Stokes cleared to play for England in T20 series in New Zealand
