England add Ben Stokes for New Zealand tour

Stokes did not make a return against Australia.

Police investigation on Stokes' case is still pending. (Getty)

Ben Stokes who was earlier recalled then ignored by ECB for the ODI series against Australia has now been added to the squad again for the upcoming series against New Zealand later this year. 

Apart from Stokes, England has also recalled Liam Livingstone a top order batter for the series as well. Livingstone is yet to play Test cricket, however, has featured in two Twenty20 internationals against South Africa last year.

“Liam has been a player that we have been impressed with for quite some time, having performed well in the county system with Lancashire and over the past couple of years with the England Lions," National Selector James Whitaker said in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement on Wednesday. 

Batsman Gary Ballance, fast bowler Jake Ball and all-rounder Tom Curran, who were all in the squad for the Ashes series which England lost 4-0, were left out.

“All three players have worked hard on the recent Ashes tour,” Whitaker said. Unfortunately, they miss out on selection for New Zealand. They are talented players and I am sure their time will come again.”

England squad 

Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Ben Foakes, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 11 Jan, 2018

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