Ben Stokes' Canterbury inclusion 'messy' and 'complicated', says Peter Fulton
Friday 1 December 2017 23:16, UK
Former Canterbury and New Zealand batsmen Peter Fulton is standing by his comments that the decision by the club to recruit Ben Stokes is "complicated" and "messy".
Stokes has signed for Canterbury as their overseas player and is expected to make his debut in the 50-over Ford Trophy against Otago on Sunday.
The all-rounder is currently suspended from playing for England while he waits to see whether he will be charged by police following his arrest over a late-night-fracas in Bristol.
His selection has been approved by the England Cricket Board, New Zealand Cricket and the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association.
But Fulton, Canterbury's record run-scorer, continues to have reservations about Stokes' inclusion.
He told stuff.co.nz a couple of days ago that allowing Stokes to play for Canterbury while he was banned by England was "complicated" and "a messy situation" and he sees no reason to shift from that view.
He told the same website on Friday: "What I said the other day is what I think. The decision has been made.
"Someone had to make a decision and the decision has been made now, he's going to play."
Fulton, who retired last season, admitted he may have felt differently had he still been active, given Stokes' cricketing quality.
"I would have been in that bubble and thought he's a world-class player. He's going to help us win the game," he said. "But it's nothing to do with him or his ability or anything like that."
There is no doubt that Stokes' imminent return to action has split opinion in New Zealand, with former Canterbury and New Zealand all-rounder Chris Harris among those delighted to see him involved.
Harris told stuff.co.nz: "I think it's great for Canterbury. We don't often get to see quality world-class all-rounders in our neck of the woods.
"He's such a competitive guy, I think he'll do well. I'm a big believer you're innocent until proven guilty. It's possibly a different situation if he's found guilty and they then make a decision."
In a separate development, Canterbury batsman Ken McClure has taken a break from cricket after pleading guilty to an assault charge following an incident in September.
The 23-year-old has been remanded for until January 19.
