Stokes finds form with 93 off 47 balls

Add as a preferred source on Google

Canterbury, December 14: Ben Stokes showed promising signs of a return to form on Thursday by blasting a 47-ball 93 in Canterbury's big win against Otago.

The all-rounder had posted a high score of 34 and taken only one wicket in his previous three matches since arriving in New Zealand, but made his mark in style in the Super Smash encounter in Christchurch.

Batting at four, Stokes plundered six fours and seven sixes as Canterbury made 217-9. He was dismissed caught behind off Jacob Duffy with two balls of the innings remaining.

Stokes then returned 1-17 from his two overs in the reply as Otago crumbled to 83 all out, giving Canterbury victory by a mammoth 134 runs.

Stokes was named in England's squad for the one-day international series against Australia, but his return to the international arena remains subject to the outcome of police and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) investigations.

He is the subject of an ECB suspension as he waits to hear whether he will be charged for his involvement in a disorder that took place in Bristol in September. The 26-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and subsequently released under investigation without charge.