Stokes still sweating on Ashes place FUTURE UNCERTAIN

BEN STOKES has been given no guarantees about his Ashes future following his late-night brawl. Despite being named in the 16-man touring squad as vicecaptain, the all-rounder’s prospects remain uncertain. He suffered a broken finger in the incident in Bristol and England managing director Andrew Strauss said: “As it stands, he is vice-captain, pending any disciplinary action. “Personally, I don’t think

right now is the right time to comment on what may or may not happen from a disciplinary point of view. “There is a disciplinary protocol that we need to follow. They may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.” Strauss added: “Stokes has a minor fracture in his hand and there are further tests that need to be done, but, at this stage, he is expected to be able to play a full part in all the Tests.”

England coach Trevor Bayliss took a dim view of Stokes’ and team-mate Alex Hales’ behaviour, describing being out drinking at 2.35am in the middle of a one-day series as “very unprofessional”.

Stokes was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm. Asked whether he was happy with his players being out that late, Bayliss said: “Definitely not.”