Stokes misfires with bat and ball in NZ

Englishman Ben Stokes has failed to make an impression for Canterbury as they were beaten by Otago in the opening round of New Zealand's domestic one-day competition.

Stokes, batting at No.4, scored two runs off seven balls before playing a delivery from left-arm spinner Anaru Kitchen onto his stumps, leaving the Otago player pleased with his efforts.

"It's always good to get an international wicket as a domestic player, you always want to see how you are against those professionals at the top of the chain," Kitchen said.

Stokes then went wicketless in his nine overs, which cost 49 runs, including being hit for a six by lower order batsman Jacob Duffy.

Otago chased down their target of 222 for the loss of seven wickets. They had been 0-175 but survived the late scare to win with 15 balls to spare.

Former New Zealand opener Hamish Rutherford scored 100.

Image Id: 4CCAF9C47C26477CA52F8E9F75202B42 Image Caption: Stokes stretches in the field in Christchurch // Getty

Most of the crowd in Rangiora, north of Christchurch, left well before the end of the match.

Stokes probably tried too hard, Canterbury head coach Gary Stead told media after the match.

"It's expected he was going to be a little bit rusty."

Stead said Stokes joining Canterbury has been "seamless", but the match didn't come off the way the English player would've hoped.

Image Id: 828C7EAF2B1B4BB4B65359B0925307BA Image Caption: Stokes reacts as Otago move closer to victory // Getty

Stokes will have a chance to redeem himself as it's expected he will play for Canterbury in Auckland on Wednesday.

Christchurch-born Stokes hasn't played for England since an incident in Bristol on September 25 which left a man requiring medical treatment.

The England and Wales Cricket Board placed him under suspension but the ban applies only to England matches and it has raised no objection to Stokes playing in New Zealand.

The 26-year-old signed a contract with the Canterbury earlier in the week, further fuelling speculation he could return in the ongoing Magellan Ashes Series.

Image Id: 6F4225A458244D739C3273E09C98B803 Image Caption: Stokes keeps a few local English fans happy in Christchurch // Getty

Stokes is yet to break his silence regarding the brawl outside the Bristol nightclub. The cricketer will be gagged throughout his stint with Canterbury, after a request from his legal team.

UK police recently finalised an investigation into the incident and prosecutors must decide whether to charge England's vice-captain.

The England and Wales Cricket Board reiterated on Thursday it would not finalise Stokes' punishment, nor let the vice-captain play internationals, until a decision is made on charges.

2017-18 International Fixtures

Magellan Ashes Series

Australia Test squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.

England Test squad: Joe Root (c), James Anderson (vc), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Tom Curran, Ben Foakes, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes.

First Test Australia won by 10 wickets. Scorecard

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Tickets

Fifth ODI Perth Stadium, January 28. Tickets

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Tickets

Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21