Stokes spends night in jail, axed from 4th ODI vs WI
LONDON: Ben Stokes, with a history of poor behaviour, spent a night in jail after a reported bust-up in Bristol in the early hours of Monday.
England cricket officials have dropped Ben Stokes and teammate Alex Hales from the fourth ODI versus the West Indies at the Oval on Wednesday.
Hales was also involved in the incident but was not arrested. England will name their Ashes squad on Wednesday.
“Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow’s one-day International match against West Indies at The Oval,” ECB director of England cricket Andrew Strauss said while reading out a board statement to reporters at The Oval on Tuesday.
The ECB said Alex Hales, who was with teammate Stokes at the time of his arrest, returned to Bristol on Tuesday to help police with the investigation. Stokes was released without charge.
According to a statement released on Monday by Avon and Somerset police, “A 27-yearold man was found to have suffered facial injuries and was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment.
“A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing bodily harm and has since been released under investigation.”
Ben Stokes has a history of poor behaviour.
PAST INSTANCES
In 2012, he was arrested on a night out and was warned by the police.
In 2013, Stokes was sent home from an England Lions tour over late-night drinking.
The England all-rounder, known for his propensity to engage into skirmishes, missed the 2014 World T20 after breaking his hand when punching a locker.
Strauss confirmed that both Durham star Ben Stokes -- a Test regular --- and Nottinghamshire batsman Alex Hales, a fringe candidate, will be considered for the Ashes squad on cricketing grounds alone by the England selectors at this stage.
ALEX HALES WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT BUT WAS NOT ARRESTED.