BEN COURT ’N BOWLED
Stokes’ hearing set
BEN STOKES’ England comeback is likely to be put on hold after the date for his first court hearing was set yesterday.
Avon and Somerset police have confirmed he is due to appear at Bristol magistrates’ court on February 13 to face a charge of affray – the same day he was pencilled in for a T20 clash against New Zealand in Wellington. from RODNEY WHITE Ironically, only hours earlier in BRISBANE England coach Trevor Bayliss, speaking before the court date resolved as soon as possible, was announced, had said the given it relates to an incident 26-year-old would be welcomed outside a Bristol nightclub last back with open arms. September. Stokes will have to attend the Earlier in the week Stokes said: hearing unless his solicitors “I’m keen to have an opportunity ask to have it put back to a to clear my name, but on advice, new date and the court is the appropriate time to do this is satisfied they have when the case comes to trial. made a good case. “The CPS’ decision to charge But there is a me, as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan chance Stokes Hale, at least means that my will postpone account of what happened that his comeback night can come out in court and in a be made public.” bid to get the matter
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Despite his delight, Bayliss claimed Stokes would not walk straight back into the team.
“It’ll be a difficult decision,” said Bayliss ahead of today’s second ODI. “Having not played for so long, is he up to speed and will he be right and in a good enough space, from a playing point of view, to make it back into the team?
“If we play well in these next four games and we win it might be very, very difficult for him.”
Stokes’ worth was emphasised when he was named in both the International Cricket Council’s Test and one-day teams of the year, along with David Warner, Virat Kohli and Quinton de Kock.
England women’s World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole was awarded the spirit of cricket award for consoling South African players after hitting the winning runs in a semi-final victory.