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Ben Stokes struggles with bat and ball in difficult start to life at Canterbury

The Cumbrian flew to New Zealand, the place of his birth, earlier in the week and signed as an overseas player for the club on Thursday

Sunday 03 December 2017 11:59 GMT
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Ben Stokes endured a difficult day with bat and ball on his return to cricket
Ben Stokes endured a difficult day with bat and ball on his return to cricket

Ben Stokes endured a torrid time with bat and ball as he suffered defeat on his Canterbury debut against Otago in New Zealand's 50-over Ford Trophy.

The Cumbrian flew to New Zealand, the place of his birth, earlier in the week and signed as an overseas player for Canterbury on Thursday.

Stokes is still waiting to hear if he will be charged by police after being arrested over a late-night fracas in Bristol in September - an incident which saw him suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The episode has seen England lose their talisman for the ongoing Ashes series and the chances of him joining the squad appear slim given that Avon and Somerset Police have passed their file to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice on whether to charge him.

On the field, the all-rounder was dismissed for two and then failed to take a wicket in his nine overs as Otago claimed a three-wicket win.

Otago won the toss and elected to bowl in Rangiora and Stokes was brought to the crease earlier than anticipated as Canterbury fell to five for two inside three overs.

However, the 26-year-old's innings only lasted seven balls as he played on to 33-year-old left-arm spinner Anaru Kitchen to leave his new side struggling on 10 for three.

Stokes was wicketless in his nine overs 

They eventually reached 221 for nine in their 50 overs, with Stokes then opening the bowling, a four-over spell producing 26 runs.

He was brought back for a second four-over stint in the 19th and while he conceded just 15 runs, Rob Nicol managed to hit for six.

A clatter of wickets saw Otago collapse from 175 without loss to 198 for seven, but Stokes ended with figures of nought for 49 off nine overs.

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