Ben Stokes endured an underwhelming return to the cricket field as he struggled with bat and ball in Canterbury’s defeat to Otago in New Zealand’s 50-over Ford Trophy.
England’s vice-captain signed as an overseas player for Canterbury earlier in the week as he was ruled out of at least the first two Ashes Tests following his arrest in Bristol.
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Stokes was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and Avon and Somerset Police confirmed last week that they were awaiting advice from the Crown Prosecution Service on whether to press charges.
Stokes, 26, had been training on his own while England set off to Australia and will stay match-fit by playing for Canterbury in New Zealand, where he was born.
But his debut ended in disappointment as he was dismissed for two before failing to take a wicket in nine overs as Canterbury suffered a three-wicket defeat.
Watch Ben Stokes in action for Canterbury:
Here’s the (very brief) highlights of @benstokes38 much-anticipated return to competitive cricket…
#ItsTheAshespic.twitter.com/sCHYg0Koe7
— BT Sport (@btsport) December 3, 2017
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Stokes lasted just seven balls with the bat before falling to left-arm spinner Anaru Kitchen. Stokes ended the match with figures of 0-49.
‘You always want to get international wickets as a domestic player, so always good to see what your like up against those professionals at the top of the chain,’ Kitchen, who dismissed Stokes, said.
‘So far with my bowling, I reckon that’s a pretty big wicket for myself.’
MORE: Ben Stokes return ‘doesn’t bother us,’ says Australia captain Steve Smith
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