Guess who's back?
Ben Stokes returns to England training for first time in months as he awaits trial over Bristol ‘street assault’ in September
Explosive all-rounder arrived in New Zealand ahead of tour after not guilty plea on affray charge
BEN STOKES is back in England training just a day after touching down in New Zealand.
The explosive all-rounder, 26, flew out from England immediately after posting his "not guilty" plea on his affray charge following an incident in Bristol in September last year.
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Stokes is accused of fighting outside a Bristol nightclub and the first hearing of his trial is scheduled for March 12, although the Durham man is not expected to attend.
The Durham ace has now joined up with his international team-mates in Auckland ahead of a five-match ODI series and two Test matches.
And Stokes wasted no time getting back in the swing of things during Saturday's training session.
The England star was first put through a few fielding drills, taking some high catches, before working out his throwing arm.
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Stokes then padded-up and took to the nets as he looked to have lost none of his big-hitting ability.
The left-hander unleashed a series of powerful strikes as he gears up for the series against the Black Caps.
SMOOTH LANDING Ben Stokes joins England squad as he touches down in New Zealand after pleading not guilty to affray
Stokes was suspended by England for this winter's Ashes series, as Joe Root's men were put to the sword by Australia in a 4-0 humiliation.
The all-rounder also missed the 4-1 ODI series win against the Aussies and has also not played a part in the current Twenty20 tri-series.
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Stokes' key dates
February 25: First ODI, Hamilton (day/night)
February 28: Second ODI, Mount Manuganui (day/night)
March 3: Third ODI, Westpac Stadium, Wellington (day/night)
March 7: Fourth ODI, Dunedin
March 10: Fifth ODI, Christchurch
March 12: Preliminary trial hearing (later dates to be determined)
March 14-17: Warm-up match, Hamilton
March 22-26: First Test, Auckland (day/night)
March 30-April 3: Second Test, Christchurch
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Instead, leftie Stokes played club cricket for Canterbury in New Zealand - the country of is birth.
While he will be absent for England's must-win showdown with the Black Caps in Hamilton on Sunday, Stokes is edging towards a return.
He will be involved in their five one-day internationals and two Tests starting February 25 and ending April 3.
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