Ben Stokes scored 73 in England’s win over West Indies in Bristol © AFP
Ben Stokes, the England allrounder, has been arrested after an incident in Bristol during the early hours of Monday morning. Stokes spent the night in prison but was released without charge. His team-mate Alex Hales was also present and both have been suspended for the final two ODIs of the series against West Indies.
The incident happened after England’s victory during the third ODI against West Indies on Sunday, in which Stokes scored 73. Stokes reportedly injured his hand in the incident. Neither player was present at The Oval for training ahead of the fourth match of the series.
An ECB statement said: “Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow’s one-day international match against West Indies at The Oval.
“Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol. He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – late on Monday and will not join the team in London.
“Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night, did not train this morning and has returned voluntarily to Bristol today to help police with their enquiries.”
Stokes was released from police custody on Monday. Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, added: “I went to see Ben last night down in Bristol. I will be addressing players this afternoon after practice. We will obviously be launching our own investigation into the circumstances surrounding this. The Ashes selection will be going ahead as planned.
Stokes, England’s Test vice-captain, has faced disciplinary action over his behaviour before. In 2012, he was arrested on a night out and received a caution from the police; then in 2013, he was sent home from an England Lions tour over late-night drinking. He also put himself out of the 2014 World T20 after breaking his hand when punching a locker.
Hales has been capped in all formats and was considered an outside bet for England’s Ashes squad, which is due to be announced on Wednesday.
Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, said that he had been informed on Monday. “Ben and Alex will be unavailable for tomorrow’s games so there are two positions up for grabs,” he said. “It has been a bit of a distraction but this game is about winning the series.”
More to follow…
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo