England star all-rounder batsmen Ben Stokes has revealed his pain at missing England’s Ashes campaign after being sidelined over an alleged fight outside a nightclub. The incident meant he was unable to join his England team in Australia, but the 26-year-old hit form Wednesday with a man-of-the-match display in England’s second ODI against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes took two wickets then smacked an unbeaten 63 runs in the six-wicket win, saying afterwards he was thrilled to be back in an England shirt after five months out. “It was very satisfying for me. I was quite emotional walking off there at the end,” he said after his teammates gave him a standing ovation at the end of the match in Mount Maunganui.

“Even walking on the field the first time and walking off made me understand how much of a privilege it is to represent your country.” Stokes joined England in New Zealand this month after pleading not guilty in a British court to a charge of affray. The case is ongoing. After his second match back, Stokes spoke for the first time about missing the Ashes, where his absence was sorely felt as England slumped to a 4-0 series loss. “I went through all the emotions as I would have done playing but there’s not a lot I can change about that now.” Ben Stokes