Westley in line for Stokes role
LAWRENCE BOOTH ENGLAND PLAN FOR ABSENT STAR
England are resigned to travelling to australia without Ben Stokes — and have already discussed how to replace him in their touring party.
The ECB said on Thursday that both Stokes and alex Hales had been suspended ‘until further notice’ — a phrase which appeared to give the board wriggle room as they await the verdict of avon and Somerset Police following Stokes’ arrest in the early hours of Monday morning in Bristol.
The police yesterday issued a fresh appeal on Twitter as they look for ‘two men who may have info’ about the incident.
But understands that, even if any potential police action does not prevent Stokes taking part in the ashes, England are planning for life without him.
Essex batsman Tom Westley is said to be back in the frame after the disappointment of his omission from the original tour party. It is also understood, however, that lancashire’s liam livingstone could be in line for a surprise call-up.
The selectors are keen to replace Stokes with an aggressive player, which may count against Westley. His strike-rate in five Tests against South africa and West Indies this summer was a stately 42, while livingstone’s big hitting earned him an England debut during the Twenty20 series against the Proteas.
livingstone did not impress the management in either of his two appearances, but he has been in good form for lancashire this season, averaging 47 as his side finished second in the county championship, and has earned a reputation for explosive innings.
One other possibility would be to extend the tour party from 16 to 17, which would essentially be a reflection of the fact that Stokes is two cricketers in one. That would bring Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn into the equation after he claimed eight wickets in an innings against lancashire last week. It would also be a reminder that no likefo r - l i k e replacement exists. The closest may be nottinghamshire allrounder Samit Patel, though it is thought that a 16man squad remains the likeliest option. The possible return of Westley would highlight just how limited the selectors’ options are after he averaged just 24 during his debut Test summer, a struggle which eventually led to middle-order recalls for Hampshire’s James Vince and Yorkshire’s gary Ballance.
Meanwhile, England could delay the announcement of their latest round of central contracts, scheduled for Wednesday, as they decide whether to change the wording of the deals to take more account of player behaviour.
The ECB’s centrally contracted players are ranked according to their ‘performances on the pitch, as well as a number of other factors, including off-field contribution, fielding and fitness. Those rankings then correlate with the level of remuneration’.
The question now is whether the definition of ‘off-field contribution’ is expanded to reflect incidents such as the one which led to Stokes’ arrest. The ECB wouldn’t comment on whether the amount he receives would be affected.
It has also emerged that brewery greene King have discontinued an advert featuring Stokes. The campaign ran last year but re-appeared recently.