Stokes out of Oval ODI following arrest
LONDON, CMC – Leading England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of today’s fourth One-Day International after being arrested by police on suspicion of assault following a fracas in a bar in Bristol last Sunday. England all-rounder Ben Stokes. A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board yesterday said opener Alex Hales would also be unavailable for the match at the Oval after returning to Bristol to assist police with investigations into the incident. Both players were together at the Mbargo Club following England’s 124-run victory over West Indies in the third ODI. “Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow’s One-Day International match against West Indies at The Oval,” the ECB statement said. “Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol. “He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – late on Monday 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.” The incident reportedly left one man requiring medical treatment for facial injuries. Stokes, 26, has been a key member of the England side in the ongoing five-match ODI series against West Indies. He struck 73 from 63 deliveries in Bristol as England amassed 369 for nine off their 50 overs.