Ben Stokes finally finds form, lead Canterbury to victory in a Super Smash match

Ben Stokes smashed 93 off 47 balls in Christchurch.

Ben Stokes | Getty Images

Suspended England all-rounder Ben Stokes, on Thursday, puts poor form behind and made a stunning return to the game of cricket by smashing 93 off 47 balls to lead Canterbury to victory in a Super Smash match against Otago in Christchurch.

After being suspended by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) with pending outcome of a police investigation into his Bristol brawl, Stokes has signed a short-term contract with Canterbury, as England allowed him to play domestic cricket for any country, granted a No Objection Certificate.

He traveled to New Zealand at the start of December, since then the all-rounder struggled to find his form, scoring 2, 34 and 0 in his three Ford Trophy appearances. But, Stokes now made his first significant impact with his outstanding knock of 93-runs, hits seven sixes and six fours in his knock, and dismissed while searching for another six to complete his ton.

Stokes also contributed with the ball in team’s cause against Otago, taking a catch and finished with figures of 1-17 from two overs in the Christchurch Super Smash game.

Praising English all-rounder for his match-winning knock, Canterbury captain Andrew Ellis told stuff.co.nz, “You could use a number of words to describe that, but that's what world-class is. He showed that in the temperament of the innings, it shows experience. It's a match-winning innings.”

The Crown Prosecution Service is yet to make a decision whether Stokes should face charges over the alleged Bristol incident or not.

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 15 Dec, 2017

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