Ben Stokes signs for New Zealand's Canterbury

The second Test starts on Saturday in Adelaide.

Stokes is currently banned from international cricket while police investigate his alleged involvement in a late- night fight outside a Bristol nightclub.

The England team touring Australia have sorely missed his presence, slumping to a 10-wicket defeat in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

The 26-year-old immediately inked a deal after landing in his city of birth – Christchurch

Stokes will available for selection for Canterbury opening match of their domestic one-day campaign Otago on Sunday.

This move will help Stokes to maintain his fitness and connection with game so that he is match ready if he is called in the England squad for Ashes.

The suspended all-rounder has signed with New Zealand domestic Canterbury as the team’s overseas player.

England’s hopes of welcoming Ben Stoke back in the squad received a major boost on Thursday.