England all-rounder Ben Stokes will be playing for the Canterbury one-day team after signing with New Zealand province Canterbury.
The 26-year-old, who is set to return to competitive cricket, has been cleared to play for Canterbury on Sunday.
He was omitted from the England Ashes squad to Australia and remains suspended from the cricket subject to a police investigation into an incident outside a Bristol nightclub back in September.
However, Canterbury Cricket Association have confirmed the Englishman had signed as an overseas player and would be available for a limited over match to be played against Otago on this Sunday.
“After the approach from Ben’s representatives everything has happened very quickly for us to the extent that we are now delighted to welcome Ben into the team,” Canterbury Cricket Association (CCA) Director of Cricket Gary Stead said in a statement on Thursday.
“While Ben awaits the outcome of an investigation underway in the UK, he wants to maintain his fitness and his connection with the game.”
Stokes, who was suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board, has not played the competitive cricket since the NZ-born cricketer broke a man’s eye socket during an alleged incident outside a Bristol nightclub two months ago on September 25.
