Ben Stokes ‘cannot wait’ to make his England return after getting the green light from the ECB to resume his international career.
The 26-year-old all-rounder has not played for England since last summer – missing the entire Ashes campaign – after being involved in a late-night fracas in Bristol.
Ben Stokes available for England selection against New Zealand
On Monday, police confirmed Stokes had been charged with affray for his involvement in the incident, which left a man with a fractured eye socket.
But Stokes has been given permission to return for England in the upcoming series against New Zealand, despite charges hanging over him.
Reacting to the news, Stokes said on social media: ‘Representing my country is one of the greatest things that I’ve ever been lucky enough to do.
Representing my country is one of the greatest things that I've ever been lucky enough to do, walking out on to the field with the England shirt on is a privilege and a honour.
Im extremely delighted to be given this opportunity to do this again….1/2— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 17, 2018
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
…2/2
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 17, 2018
‘Walking out on to the field with the England shirt on is a privilege and a 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.’
On the decision to make Stokes available for selection, the ECB said in a statement: ‘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.
‘To date, Stokes has been unavailable for selection throughout the Police and CPS process around the incident in Bristol in September, a period which has included One-Day Internationals against West Indies, the Ashes tour and the start of the ODI series against Australia.
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‘ECB fully respects the legal process and the player’s intention to defend himself against the charge.
‘England Selectors, management and players have been informed and Ben Stokes is expected to join the squad in New Zealand for February’s T20 matches.
‘ECB confirmed in December that the independent Cricket Discipline Commission [CDC] would stay the internal disciplinary process for both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes until the conclusion of court proceedings relating to the incident.’
MORE: Ben Stokes available for England selection against New Zealand
