Suspended England star Ben Stokes gave a rusty performance on his highly anticipated return to cricket yesterday in a provincial one-day match in New Zealand, his country of birth
Suspended England star Ben Stokes gave a rusty performance on his highly anticipated return to cricket yesterday in a provincial one-day match in New Zealand, his country of birth.
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Ben Stokes
Amid speculation the all-rounder was using the match as a tune-up in case he earns a dramatic Ashes call-up, he looked out of form when he turned out for Canterbury against Otago. Batting at number four, Stokes lasted only seven balls and contributed just two runs towards Canterbury's 221. He then proved unsuccessful with the ball, taking none for 49 off nine overs as Otago chased down the target with 15 balls to spare. It had been 69 days since Stokes last played and he had only one practice with Canterbury after arriving in New Zealand.
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