Suspended England all-rounder Ben Stokes returns to form for Canterbury after smashing 93 off 47

Wellington: England’s Ashes outcast Ben Stokes returned to form in dramatic fashion Thursday, smashing 93 off 47 balls in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition. [caption id=“attachment_4258509” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]
Ben Stokes smashed 93 off 47 for Canterbury against Otago. Image courtesy: Twitter @SuperSmashNZ[/caption] Stokes, banned from international duties over an alleged fight outside a nightclub, is seeking to retain match fitness with a stint at New Zealand provincial side Canterbury. He had struggled for runs with only 36 in three one-day outings, but hit a rich vein of form helping Canterbury to 217-9 against Otago. Stokes amassed 93 in 47 balls, including seven sixes and six fours as his side claimed an easy victory. The 26-year-old was unable to join his England teammates for the Ashes in Australia after being barred from international cricket over an alleged fight outside a Bristol nightclub. British police have passed his case to prosecutors for “charging advice”, a process that could take weeks. In the meantime, England are struggling in Australia, down 2-0 in the series and are short odds for another defeat in the third Test that started in Perth Thursday.