Still in process Ben Stokes to wait for Court orders to play against New Zealand

Still in process Ben Stokes to wait for Court orders to play against New Zealand 

"In the circumstances, I have decided that it would not be right to join my teammates until after attending court on the 13th."

Stokes will be appearing in court to answer charges of affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

The Durham all-rounder was suspended by the ECB while he awaited news on whether he would be charged, meaning he missed the Ashes and is sitting out the limited overs matches in Australia.

However, the suspension was lifted following the decision to charge Stokes, meaning he has been cleared to play in New Zealand.

England's second T20 against New Zealand is on February 18 before five ODI matches in the country beginning on February 25.

Stokes has also made himself available to play in the IPL after receiving permission to take part in the competition from the ECB.

The 26-year-old will miss the first T20 match England play in New Zealand as it is scheduled for the same day as his hearing.

A tweet from Stokes on Monday night read: "As has been confirmed in the media a first hearing date at court has been set for 13th February.

Source: skysports.com