Stokes poised to oust super Sam

SAM CURRAN looks likely to make way for the returning Ben Stokes – despite being named man of the match in England’s series-opening victory against India.

Stokes is back in the squad after being found not guilty of affray at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday.

He will join his team-mates in Nottingham today, with head coach Trevor Bayliss set to name his team for Saturday’s third Test tomorrow.

The all-rounder, along with Alex Hales, will be subject to a separate disciplinary investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board, which will look into whether the pair brought the game into disrepute during a night out while on international duty in Bristol last September.

It ended with Stokes being arrested and charged following a brawl outside a nightclub.

Cleared

But with the outcome of that probe not expected for weeks, Stokes has been cleared to play – and his presence in the squad for Trent Bridge presents England with a selection headache.

If Bayliss and captain Joe Root deem Stokes is in the right frame of mind to play, they will have to choose between dropping young all-rounder Curran, Chris Woakes or Adil Rashid in order to fit him into the team.

Curran, 20, appears the most likely to make way as Woakes starred with four wickets and a maiden Test century at Lord’s in the crushing second Test win that clashed with Stokes’ trial.

Rashid could be in danger of losing his place if England decide they do not need a spinner – but that is unlikely.

It means both Stokes and Woakes are expected to play.

England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow said: “Chris is a great bloke. I was disappointed he got injured early on in the summer because you don’t know what impact he could have had across all formats.

“But he came back in and bowling the way he did straight away made an impact. Then with the bat.

“Everyone who plays with him day-in, day-out knows the skills he has got.”

Bairstow has also backed James Anderson to break every record going and believes both he and Stuart Broad, playing at his home ground, will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing India this weekend.

Root’s team are 2-0 up and can clinch the series with a win.

Anderson has taken 60 wickets in just nine Tests at Trent Bridge and Bairstow said: “There is no reason why Jimmy can’t keep going, body permitting.

“There’s the potential for him to go on and break every record going for a seamer.”

Anderson is just 10 wickets behind Glenn McGrath’s all-time record of 563 for a seam bowler.