Canterbury Cricket Association (CCA) has signed England all-rounder Ben Stokes as its overseas player.
The Christchurch-born 26-year-old will be available for the Ford Trophy match against Otago on December 3 at Rangiora's MainPower Oval.
CCA director of cricket Gary Stead said the Canterbury team and management were thrilled to have Stokes and believed he had a tremendous amount to offer.
"After the approach from Ben's representatives, everything has happened very quickly for us to the extent that we are now delighted to welcome Ben into the team," Stead said in a statement.
"Ben will bring international experience to what is a relatively youthful changing room.
"He will also bring depth to our seam attack, which has been affected by a string of injuries, and provide more balance and firepower to our batting line-up.
"While Ben awaits the outcome of an investigation underway in the UK, he wants to maintain his fitness and his connection with the game. He is a brilliant all-round player and we are really pleased to have secured one of the world's best players in our domestic competition.
"His experience will be invaluable to our young cricketers, as we look to defend our Ford Trophy title and improve performances in the Burger King Super Smash. The team have expressed their excitement about the opportunity to learn from and play with Ben."
Stokes was dropped from England's squad for the five-Test Ashes series in Australia, after an alleged assault outside a Bristol nightclub in September, which is currently under investigation by police.
However, if he's ultimately cleared of any charges, it could pave a way for him to rejoin the squad for the remaining four Tests.
If that does occur, it's understood the England Wales Cricket Board would convene for an emergency meeting to rush him back into contention.
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