Canterbury confirm Ben Stokes signing

Controversial England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been signed up by Canterbury as the New Zealand club's overseas player for the ongoing domestic season. The 26-year-old's inclusion was sanctioned by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Thursday (November 30) after agreement with the Canterbury Cricket Association, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and New Zealand Cricket Players Association. Stokes will be available for the defending champions in their Ford Trophy match against Otago to be played in Rangiora on December 3.

"After the approach from Ben's representatives everything has happened very quickly for us to the extent that we are now delighted to welcome Ben into the team," said CCA Director of Cricket Gary Stead. "Ben will bring international experience to what is a relatively youthful changing room. He will also bring depth to our seam attack which has been affected by a string of injuries and provide more balance and firepower to our batting line up.

"While Ben awaits the outcome of an investigation underway in the UK, he wants to maintain his fitness and his connection with the game. He is a brilliant all-round player and we are really pleased to have secured one of the world's best players in our domestic competition. His experience will be invaluable to our young cricketers as we look defend our Ford Trophy title and improve performances in the Burger King Super Smash. The team have expressed their excitement about the opportunity to learn from and play with Ben," Stead added.

Stokes