Stokes ‘circus’ goes on with star’s selection in England’s

The Ben Stokes “circus” will continue throughout England’s tour of Australia, with the allrounder provisionally included in the tourists’ ODI squad.

Stokes has been named in a 16-man squad for the five-match series that runs from January 14-28.

The suspended vice-captain was also initially named in England’s test squad but it’s increasingly likely he may not play any part in the ongoing series.

Stokes, who last Sunday started playing domestic cricket with Canterbury in the Ford Trophy one-day domestic competition, remains unavailable for internationals until British prosecutors hand down their decision over possible charges.

England reaffirmed yesterday they will not settle on any form of punishment — nor contemplate Stokes’ return — until he is either charged or cleared over the Bristol brawl that left another man with a fractured eye socket.

“I’ve got absolutely no idea. Still waiting for the police report,” coach Trevor Bayliss said, highlighting the uncertainty over the star’s availabil- ity. Whenever he comes back that’s going to be a bit of a circus.

“Whether it’s any more of a circus than it has already been, it’s hard to say. If it happens, let’s just get on with it and take it on the chin.

“I’m sure there will be a fair bit of scrutiny. We won’t know it actually until it comes along. There’s been a fair bit of scrutiny that’s come along with it in the first five or six weeks.”