Cricket: Englishman stoking the Canterbury fire

England cricketer Ben Stokes walks from the field following his innings of 97 runs in his match for The Canterbury Kings. Photo / Photosport

Sorely missed by England in the Ashes series, Ben Stokes' competitive streak, leadership and cricket nous is proving a boon in Christchurch.

Stokes' arrival at Canterbury three weeks ago was met with feverish interest and plenty of condemnation. Many questioned the merits of hastily signing the allrounder, who continues to sweat on a verdict from UK prosecutors regarding his role in a Bristol brawl in which another man suffered a fractured eye socket.

Canterbury coach Gary Stead, who remains unsure how much longer Stokes will be based in his country of birth, has been impressed with the conduct and cricket skills of England's vice-captain but also the impact he has had on young teammates.

"He's brought that knowledge and experience of being in important matches and just been a bit of a calming influence out in the middle," Stead said yesterday.

"You can tell he loves being in a battle on the field ... that competitive approach will hopefully rub off on some of our players.

"He doesn't over-speak or anything but when he talks, people listen. He's not shy of chiming in when we're discussing tactics ... he's got a very good cricket brain.

"He's started to develop some friendships with some of our guys as well. It's been really positive."

Uncertainty surrounds Stokes' potential return date for England. The 26-year-old was provisionally named in the tourists' ODI squad for the series that follows the Ashes, starting January 14 in Melbourne.

However, England's cricket board won't settle on Stokes' punishment until UK prosecutors decide whether to charge him.

"We still don't know a date when he will leave," Stead said.

"I'm sure he was looking at it [the Ashes]. I know he'll be disappointed for England."

Stead has handed Stokes extra responsibility, asking him to open the bowling and bat at No4.

The game-breaking allrounder, who was sold for A$2.8 million in last year's Indian Premier League auction, struggled early on in his New Zealand stint but struck form with a match-winning 93 in the T20 contest during last week.

"He's had five matches for us now ... it looks like he's getting better and better," Stead said.

"He's batting a little bit higher than he normally would, but we can grow his experiences and that's good for him in the long run.

"Batting, bowling, fielding — and even at training — he's going full tilt. He's not holding back at all."