BEN Stokes is in line to make his much-anticipated England return as the Three Lions look to bounce back from a miserable T20 tri-series in the ODI series with New Zealand.
Stokes has not played international cricket since September after an incident outside a nightclub in Bristol left him facing charges of affray.
The all-rounder pleaded not guilty in court earlier this month and, though his first hearing is set for March 12, the 26-year-old has travelled to New Zealand and is set to make his comeback in Hamilton on Sunday.
Stokes’ arrival will naturally give England a welcome boost, but captain Eoin Morgan has warned fans not to expect too much too soon from the Durham man.
“He’s coped well,” Morgan said. “There’s a good chance he’ll be fit for the first ODI. It depends on how his body reacts. He’s been bowling indoors – it’s not the same as outdoors.
“We’re not going to risk him just because he’s back. He’s got a long year ahead of him – IPL, a full summer and a Sri Lanka tour before Christmas. He won’t have time off until December.”
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