Ben Stokes to return for England next month after ECB lift suspension

Stokes hasn't played for England since September after an incident following a one-day international in Bristol and as a result missed the Ashes series

Ben Stokes will be considered for selection immediately after the ECB lifted the suspension (PA)

Ben Stokes will be considered for England selection immediately and he is expected to join the team for the T20 games in New Zealand next month, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced.

Stokes hasn't played for England since September after an incident following a one-day international in Bristol and as a result missed the Ashes series.

But after being charged with affray alongside two other men on Monday Stokes is set to be welcomed into the fold once again.

An official statement read: “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.

“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.”

England face Australia in the second of five one-day internationals on Friday, but Stokes is not set to link back up with the side until the latter part of the subsequent Twenty20 Tri-Series involving both sides and New Zealand.


 Stokes missed the Ashes tour and hasn't played for England since September 
 (Getty)

The delay in Stokes' availability for the tri-series is believed to be in case there is a court appearance he would have to attend.

If all goes to plan, the 26-year-old could return to England colours against the Black Caps on February 13 and 18.