Say sorry, urges Bayliss
ENGLAND ALL-ROUNDER TOLD TO APOLOGISE AFTER HIS ACQUITTAL Now he waits to see if he will be picked to play in third Test.
England coach Trevor Bayliss has suggested Ben Stokes make a public apology over the events that led to his acquittal for affray as the all-rounder waits to see if he will be recalled for the third Test against India at Trent Bridge tomorrow.
Stokes was found not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing at a trial in Bristol on Tuesday, nearly 11 months after being arrested following a brawl in the Clifton area of the south-west city.
Within hours of the verdict, Stokes was added to England’s 13man squad for the third Test.
He missed England’s innings and 159-runs victory in the second Test at Lord’s last week – a win that put the hosts 2-0 up in a fivematch series – because it clashed with his court case.
Bayliss told reporters yesterday that Stokes had already apologised to his team-mates in New Zealand earlier this year.
That was when he rejoined them after having to miss the Ashes – which England lost 4-0 in his absence – while a criminal charge was being considered following the incident which took place during a home one-day international series against the West Indies.
Asked if Stokes should apologise in public, Bayliss replied: “Certainly.
“I think it was important to actually apologise to the boys in the team, management of the team and management at the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), who had to go through a lot of extra activities to work our way through it.”
“It’s good to have him back around the squad,” he said.
“I’m happy for Ben and glad it’s all over.”
India coach Ravi Shastri said the tourists would have no qualms playing against Stokes, who took 4/40 as England completed a hard-fought 31-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston earlier this month.
“He is a terrific cricketer and we would like to play against top cricketers,” Shastri told a separate news conference at Trent Bridge.
“If he is cleared by the courts, what’s the reason for him not to play? If I was in England’s position, I would have wanted him to play,” the former Indian all-rounder added.
Despite Tuesday’s verdict, Stokes, together with England team-mate Alex Hales, remains subject to a Cricket Discipline Commission investigation.
Without Stokes, England were caught up in a couple of unwelcome off-field incidents in Australia, but Bayliss said they had led to a general improvement in the team’s behaviour. – AFP