Ben Stokes hits form with bat for Canterbury but Ashes call-up appears no closer

All-rounder looks increasingly likely to play no part in the Test series in Australia.

CORRECTING SCORE TO 93 RUNS England cricketer Ben Stokes watches as he hits a ball for six runs during his innings of 93 runs in his match for the Canterbury Kings against the Otago Volts in a Twenty/20 match Christchurch, New Zealand, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017.The New Zealand-born allrounder has been suspended from playing for England while police investigate his role in the September 25 incident in Bristol which followed a limited-overs international against the West Indies. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
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England's Ashes outcast Ben Stokes returned to form in dramatic fashion on Thursday, smashing 93 off 47 balls in New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 competition.

Stokes, suspended from international duties, 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.

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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.

Ben Stokes 'excited' to get back playing cricket for Canterbury

Ben Stokes 'excited' to get back playing cricket for Canterbury

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 face a tough task to avoid another defeat in the third Test that started in Perth Thursday.