Daily Mail

Stokes put on hold but Finn earns Ashes recall

- by RICHARD GIBSON @richardgib­son74

BEN STOKES will not travel to Australia as an official member of England’s Ashes tour party later this month. Although the Test vice-captain has not been ruled out of the five-match series, director of cricket Andrew Strauss has removed him from the 16-man England squad flying out on October 28. As Sportsmail revealed earlier this week, the ECB had to hurry their decision on Stokes because of uncertaint­y about when and if Avon and Somerset Police will charge the 26-year-old after his arrest following an early-hours altercatio­n in Bristol on September 25. The decision may take months, so Strauss has opted to replace Stokes in the travelling group with Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn, 28. Even so, Stokes was awarded one of five full central contracts handed out yesterday, with England insisting no definite decision has been taken on his Ashes involvemen­t. ‘We have assured Ben that our decision in no way prejudges the police investigat­ion or Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) process, as can be seen by the award of central contracts,’ Strauss said. ‘It’s important to give the players, the coaching staff and supporters some clarity. ‘This decision will give the England set-up the best chance to focus on the challenge.’ Off-field behaviour will be under intense scrutiny this winter. The formal written warnings and fines for Jonny Bairstow, Liam Plunkett and Jake Ball for unprofessi­onal conduct are reminders of what is expected. The three were reprimande­d for staying out late and drinking in Bristol after the win over West Indies. There are no curfews imposed, but nor were there on the infamous Caribbean ‘pedalo night’ at the 2007 World Cup when several players — including Plunkett — were similarly discipline­d. As for the central contracts, Nottingham­shire seamer Ball receives one for the first time — a white-ball deal — while Finn misses out despite his Ashes call-up. This could be a pivotal juncture in Finn’s career, four years on from being cast off the tour of Australia as ‘unselectab­le’ after losing confidence and venom in his bowling. ‘Steven has experience of both internatio­nal cricket and Australian conditions,’ said Strauss. ‘The selectors believe he will add to the range of options. The squad will be further supported by the arrival of the Lions in Australia in November.’ England were originally planning to announce their one-day squad for January’s five-match series against Australia but have delayed it until next month. They hope to avoid having to pick Stokes and Alex Hales, also present at the Bristol fracas, with asterisks by their names. Although both remain on full pay, the ECB say neither will be picked for national teams until further notice. DURHAM have confirmed that captain Paul Collingwoo­d, part of England’s Ashes coaching staff, has signed a playing contract for next summer that will take him past his 42nd birthday.

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? Bouncing back: Finn’s experience will boost England
GETTY IMAGES Bouncing back: Finn’s experience will boost England
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