Suspended England all-rounder Ben Stokes has signed as an overseas player for Canterbury in New Zealand as he seeks to maintain match fitness while his assault case is investigated. The deal was agreed with the English Cricket Board, endorsed by the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and sanctioned by New Zealand Cricket, Canterbury Cricket said. “While Ben awaits the outcome of an investigation underway in the UK, he wants to maintain his fitness and his connection with the game,” said Gary Stead, CCA’s director of cricket. But the CCA insisted Stokes’ arrival in Canterbury was not related to a possible Ashes recall. “Whilst we have spoken to the ECB, there are a lot of sensitive facts around Ben’s matter that we have not been privy to,” Canterbury Cricket CEO, Jez Curwin, said.

Source: The Guardian November 30, 2017 04:41 UTC