English all-rounder Ben Stokes might find himself in further trouble after the Sun has released a video which purportedly shows the England vice-captain throwing punches at two men.
Stokes, who was earlier arrested over a brawl at a night club in Bristol, has already been dropped for England’s remaining ODI matches against West Indies and the video could jeopardize his place in England’s Ashes squad.
In the hazy video which runs for almost a minute, Ben Stokes can be seen landing punches on two man, one of whom is holding a bottle in his hand. His team mate Alex Hales can be heard shouting “Enough, Stokes” to pacify him down, but the 26 year old English all-rounder carried on with his infuriated assault.
The police had arrested Stokes at 2.35 AM on Monday in Clifton area of Bristol on suspicion of engaging in a bloody brawl but was later released without any charges being levied on him. He along with Alex Hales was dropped from the England’s squad to face West Indies in the remaining 2 ODI’s.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has also viewed the footage and stressed the need for a proper police investigation. An ECB spokesman said, “We have seen this footage for the first time tonight – when posted by The Sun. There is an ongoing police investigation that will look at all available evidence, and we do have to respect that process.”
Ben Stokes was earlier named in England’s Ashes squad as vice-captain inspite of having a fractured finger and ongoing investigation.
His selection was confirmed by England Cricket Director Andre Strauss, who was quoted as saying, “I don’t think right now is the time to comment on what may or may not happen from a disciplinary point of view. At the moment, what I’m doing is speaking to the players individually to get their accounts of what went on on Sunday night. There is a disciplinary protocol that is in place as part of their conditions of employment. We need to follow that for all players who may be subject to disciplinary proceedings, including Ben.”
Here’s the video (Via The Sun):
Video of England cricket Ben Stokes in street brawl where he knocks out some chap.
Will the ECB act on this now? https://t.co/xrHhYcASSf— Aravind BoB (@aravindbob) September 28, 2017
