England’s Ashes outcast Ben Stokes returned to form in dramatic fashion Thursday, smashing 93 off 47 balls in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. Stokes, banned from international duties over a bust up outside a nightclub, is seeking to retain match fitness with a stint at New Zealand provincial side Canterbury.
He had struggled for runs with only 36 in three one-day outings, but hit a rich vein of form helping Canterbury to 217/9 against Otago. Stokes amassed 93 in 47 balls, including seven sixes and six fours as his side claimed an easy victory.
The 26-year-old was unable to join his England teammates for the Ashes in Australia after being barred from international cricket over an alleged fight outside a Bristol nightclub. British police have passed his case to prosecutors for “charging advice”, a process that could take weeks.
In the meantime, England are struggling in Australia, down 0-2 in the series and are short odds for another defeat in the third Test that started in Perth on Thursday.