Stokes on Ashes path

BEN Stokes is set to face the England and Wales Cricket Board for a disciplinary hearing this week, with an expectation the all-rounder could be cleared for the Ashes series.

Much still depends on whether an assault probe by police amounts to anything, but the feeling is Stokes is likely to be banned for two Tests and be available at the WACA.

Such a ban would allow him time to recover from the fractured hand he suffered in the incident that has landed him in hot water and warm up with a two-day tour match in Perth just before the third Test.

Stokes’ alleged involvement in the nightclub brawl occurred on September 25. The two key witnesses in the case came forward two weeks ago.