Ben Stokes is to retain the Test vice-captaincy in Australia © Getty Images
Ben Stokes will retain the England Test vice-captaincy for now, despite having suffered a fractured hand in the nightclub incident that led to his arrest in Bristol on Monday morning. Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, said that the matter had not been fully resolved but Stokes would stay in the role pending a full investigation ahead of the Ashes.
The injury to Stokes’ right hand is believed to have been sustained during a confrontation that left a man in hospital and has jeopardised his England future – even though he was included in the touring party for Australia, the potential of further action will hang over him for as long as it takes Somerset and Avon Police to conclude their investigation.
Strauss said Stokes had suffered a “minor fracture” and he will undergo further tests but the allrounder is expected to be fit to play in the Ashes opener at Brisbane on November 23.
“The early indications we have are he’ll be fit for all of the Ashes,” Strauss said, adding that he could not comment on the police investigation while it was ongoing. “His selection is based on what we’re in control of and we know.”
He did not rule out the possibility of Stokes losing the vice-captaincy in the near future, however. “I’m just beginning to get a bit of a picture as to what went on on Monday night,” Strauss said. “There is a formal disciplinary process and it’s important that is followed properly.”
More to follow…
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo