Star all-rounder Ben Stokes has revealed his pain at missing England’s Ashes campaign after being sidelined over an alleged fight outside a nightclub.
The incident meant he was unable to join his teammates in Australia, but the 26-year-old hit form Wednesday with a man-of-the-match display in England’s second ODI against New Zealand.
Stokes took two wickets then smacked an unbeaten 63 in the six-wicket win, saying afterwards he was thrilled to be back in an England shirt after five months out.
“It was very satisfying for me. I was quite emotional walking off there at the end,” he said after his teammates gave him a standing ovation at the end of the match in Mount Maunganui.
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“Even walking on the field the first time and walking off made me understand how much of a privilege it is to represent your country.”
Stokes joined England in New Zealand this month after pleading not guilty in a British court to a charge of affray. The case is ongoing.
{{/usCountry}}Stokes joined England in New Zealand this month after pleading not guilty in a British court to a charge of affray. The case is ongoing.
{{/usCountry}}After his second match back, Stokes spoke for the first time about missing the Ashes, where his absence was sorely felt as England slumped to a 4-0 series loss.
“It was obviously frustrating to watch the Ashes,” he said. “I went through all the emotions as I would have done playing but there’s not a lot I can change about that now.
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“I’ve been following all the cricket the lads have been playing but what I have to do now is focus on going forward.
Stokes said he did not want to be eased into the team after his long lay-off and was pleased captain Eoin Morgan threw him straight into the fray.
“I want to contribute every time I play for England,” he said.
“When that opportunity came back round to represent England again I wasn’t prepared to let anybody down.”