England seeks police ruling on Stokes case

BEN Stokes will this week ramp up his recovery from a fractured hand he suffered in the now infamous nightclub fight, with the England superstar out to prove he is ready to go if an Ashes call-up comes.

England cricket boss Andrew Strauss has pleaded with Bristol police to provide “clarity” over whether they intend to charge Stokes over is involvement in an alleged assault. It is likely that decision by authorities will then shape the ECB’s attitude to disciplinary action.

With over two weeks until the first Test at the Gabba, former Australian captain Michael Clarke warned this lingering uncertainty had the potential to distract England.

Stokes suffered a fractured finger in the incident where video allegedly showed him punching another man, however, it does not appear the injury will be an obstacle should he be cleared by police.

It is understood the allrounder is making good progress with his rehabilitation program, which is expected to rise in intensity, another sign the ECB has not ruled out him taking some part in the Ashes.

Stokes remains on track to be fit by the end of this month.

It could make it tight for him to be fit for the first Test at the Gabba starting on November 23 and the second Test at Adelaide Oval on December 2, especially with no practice matches under his belt.

However, there is an England practice match in Perth on December 9 that could serve as Stokes’s platform for returning for the final three Tests of the series.

There remains a prevailing feeling tokes may not travel at all, but as long as the ECB leaves the door ajar, the chance is still there.

Stokes was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in Bristol on September 25, before he was released pending investigation.

“The situation in a word is complicated,” said Strauss.

“There’s two different potential disciplinary procedures he has to go through, one is the ECB’s internal one and the other is any potential police action.

“Until we know more from the police it’s very hard for us to put a timeline on anything. What we all want is clarity.

“Ben has been and is developing into a world-class cricketer. The fact he’s not out in Australia is a blow.”