After arriving in New Zealand on Wednesday, Ben Stokes has signed a short-term deal with New Zealand domestic team Canterbury. Amid rumors of his recall to England’s Ashes squad, Stokes’ signed a new deal with Canterbury.

In a statement released Canterbury Cricket Association (CCA) Director of Cricket Gary Stead confirmed the development and said, “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. 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.”

He further added, “While Ben awaits the outcome of an investigation underway in the UK, he wants to maintain his fitness and his connection with the game. The team has expressed their excitement about the opportunity to learn from and play with Ben.”

In the meantime, on Thursday The Avon and Somerset police said they had asked the lawyer service for charging advice after concluding their investigation into the assault.

Canterbury’s CEO, Jez Curwin spoke on the issue and said, “While it would be easy to draw direct comparisons between the position taken recently with another player, we have to reiterate that in that situation the player was free to play until such time as he pleaded guilty to the charges.”

Curwin concluded by talking about his conversation with Stokes, he said, “I have spoken with Ben and he is just really excited to have the opportunity to get back out onto the Oval and play the sport that he loves and is grateful to Canterbury Cricket and New Zealand Cricket for giving him the chance to represent Canterbury Cricket.”