England’s ace all-rounder Ben Stokes and opening batsman Alex Hales were arrested in Bristol in the early hours of Monday morning.
This news has come as a big shock to England Cricket Board as the squad for the Ashes series will be announced tomorrow and one of their most high profile players, Stokes has been involved in a nasty off-field incident.
However, Andrew Strauss confirmed both players remain available for Ashes selection when the selectors meet later today.
As of now, Ben Stokes and Alex Hales have been released from the squad and will not participate in the remaining matches of the ongoing ODI series against West Indies.
“Ben Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol,” the ECB said in a statement.
“He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – 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.
“You will understand that we cannot offer further detail at this stage but will provide any updates when we can.”
ECB denied to speak further on this matter and didn’t reveal the reason behind all-rounder’s arrest. The Telegraph reported that Ben Stokes has had an X-ray on his hand following the incident, but the ECB declined to comment.
This is not the first time that Ben Stokes has been involved in such a mess. He was sent home from an England Lions tour to Australia for breaking team curfews in 2013. He also broke his hand while punching the locker during a series against West Indies.
More to follow…
