Stokes delighted to be back among team-mates

Hamilton – Captain Eoin Morgan says all-rounder Ben Stokes
was delighted to be back with the England cricket team after a five-month
absence for the first one-day international against New Zealand on Sunday. 

“He’s told everybody that,” Morgan said.
“It’s an awesome feeling when you’ve been away and you’re back in a fun
environment with lots of friends around. 

“I can vouch for that. I spend a lot of time away (from
the team) while the tests are on. You come back and it puts a smile on your
face.” 

Stokes hadn’t played for England since his arrest on
September 25 last year after a brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol.

He was
initially suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board but has been allowed
to return pending a court appearance on a charge of affray. 

The ECB said Stokes, who has pleaded not guilty, is entitled
to the presumption of innocence until legal proceedings are completed. 

Stokes made 12 off 22 balls in England’s total of 284-8 and
took a catch and two wickets, breaking a 178-run partnership between Ross
Taylor and Tom Latham, before New Zealand won by three wickets with four balls
to spare. 

Morgan said Stokes adapted well to conditions despite the
all-rounder’s only cricket since Sept. 25 being a short stint for Canterbury
province in New Zealand’s domestic limited overs competition.

There were doubts
around his match fitness Sunday but he dispelled those by bowling eight overs,
taking 2-43. 

“We needed something to happen and he’s the kind of
player who can do that,” Morgan said.

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