ECB keep door open for Stokes

ENGLAND left the door ajar last night for Ben Stokes to make a rapid return to Test cricket after another extraordinary day at Bristol Crown Court saw his legal team point the finger of blame for his affray charge in part at team-mate Alex Hales. The latest twist to this incredible saga came when Stokes’s barrister Gordon Cole claimed the horrific eye injury suffered by fellow defendant Ryan Ali could have been caused by a kick from Hales rather than the fist of Stokes. Then England unexpectedly offered Stokes the lifeline of a possible immediate re-introduction to the team in time for Saturday’s third Test against India at Trent Bridge. The selectors named an unchanged 13-man squad after England thrashed India at Lord’s to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series but added that ‘the ECB will make an

assessment of Stokes’ availability when the trial has concluded.’ That will probably come today with the jury due to retire this morning to consider their verdicts on Stokes and Ali after closing statements yesterday from the judge, prosecution and the two defence barristers. Both have pleaded not guilty to affray. If Stokes is acquitted the ECB will then decide whether to parachute the all-rounder into the squad for Trent Bridge even though both he and Hales face the possibility of further action from an independent disciplinary commission. But

Sportsmail understands that Stokes will have to overcome considerable obstacles before being allowed to return, with the likeliest scenario remaining that he will miss not just the third Test but the rest of the series. Captain Joe Root and coach Trevor Bayliss are believed to want to rush him back as soon as possible but the ECB will canvass opinion from selectors, board chairman Colin Graves, chief executive Tom Harrison, other board members and also acting director of cricket Andy Flower. Only then will they decide whether Stokes should be brought back into a winning squad in Nottingham ahead of training on Thursday.