Saturday 23 December 2017 11:38, UK
Ben Stokes will return to the UK for "family reasons" after a month-long spell with New Zealand side Canterbury.
Stokes was dropped from England's Ashes Test tour after he was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in Bristol on September 25, but his arrival in New Zealand had prompted hopes the all-rounder would be able to join the national side later in the series.
The 26-year-old remains unavailable for England selection as the Crown Prosecution Service assesses evidence from Avon and Somerset Police in order for a decision to be made on whether he should face charges over the alleged incident.
Stokes said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" training and playing with Canterbury, and that everyone had "gone out of their way to make me feel at home".
"It's a wonderful club and I couldn't have asked for any more from my time here," said Stokes.
Canterbury signed Stokes as an overseas player at the end of November and made his debut for against Otago in New Zealand's 50-over Ford Trophy.
"Ben has been great around the club, the team and the staff," said Canterbury's chief executive Jez Curwin.
"We can't fault his attitude or his all-round contribution in his time with us and we are sorry that he couldn't stay with us for longer but Ben knows that he will always find a welcome here should the opportunity arise for him to return."
Stokes played in six matches for Canterbury - in both the 50 over Ford Trophy and T20 Super Smash competitions.
After opening his account with a disappointing 2 against Otago on December 3 and going 49 without a wicket with the ball, he hit 34 against Auckland three days later.
His top score during his spell in New Zealand was 93 in the T20 game against Otago in Christchurch, which followed the 26-year-old being run out for a duck against Northern Districts.
England have named Stokes in their squad for the the one-day series which follows the Ashes.
