Ben Stokes will be available for England’s team selection despite of affray charge.
Ben stokes was suspend from international cricket following the incident in Bristol on September. Stokes and his team-mate Alex Hales were involved in an incident near Bristol’s Mbargo club which left another man needing hospital treatment for facial injuries. Stokes was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police and released under investigation. ECB announced suspension over Stokes and Hales until further notice. England played their whole ashes series without Stokes.
Following a full Board discussion, in which all considerations were taken into account, the ECB Board has agreed that Ben Stokes should now be considered for England selection.
“Given the CPS decision to charge him and two others with affray, confirmation of his intention to contest the charge and the potential length of time to trial, the Board agreed that it would not be fair, reasonable or proportionate for Ben Stokes to remain unavailable for a further indeterminate period.”, ECB says.
All-rounder Stokes, who has not played for England since the incident, will join the squad for the second half of a triangular Twenty20 series in New Zealand in February.
