Stokes on standby for Ashes call-up
THE ASHES LAWRENCE BOOTH
Ben StokeS could be in line for a dramatic appearance in the Ashes if Avon and Somerset police decide not to charge him over his part in the street brawl two months ago.
Stokes would still need to be cleared to play by the eCB’s cricket discipline commission, but Sportsmail understands that any ban will be deemed to have been served retrospectively, clearing the path for his return.
that means the final two oneday internationals of the summer against West Indies, when he had a broken finger as a result of the late-night fracas in Bristol, and the first two Ashes tests would constitute the sum of his punishment.
the second of those tests starts in Adelaide in the early hours of Saturday morning Uk time, so he would still need to prove his fitness ahead of the third test in Perth, which begins on December 14.
Stokes, who is waiting for the police to complete their investigations, flew to new Zealand on Monday, with the eCB insisting he was making a ‘private trip to spend time with his family’.
the Board say they did not expect Stokes to fly out until later this week, though director of cricket Andrew Strauss gave no indication during a press briefing after england’s 10-wicket defeat in Brisbane that he was on his way at all.
Stokes could play for his native region of Canterbury — he was born in Christchurch — in two 50-over matches on Sunday and next Wednesday in an attempt to prove he is ready to return to test cricket. the new Zealand trip at least gives him an opportunity to get himself into shape for the final three Ashes tests.
Canterbury are understood to have been given permission by new Zealand Cricket to pick Stokes, with nZC taking the view that he has not been charged and must be allowed to pursue his livelihood.
the eCB, it emerged, issued him with a no objection Certificate — permission for him to take part in an overseas domestic tournament — last Friday.
It is unclear whether Stokes would be allowed to take part in the Ashes if the police do hand their file over to the Crown Prosecution Service, even if there is a significant delay until any court hearing.
the eCB would face serious flak if they fielded a player awaiting trial, regardless of whether england go 2-0 down in Adelaide.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann was diplomatic over the surprise development. He said: ‘He’s a good player, but I can’t really comment too much about it until the eCB know what’s happening.’
Meanwhile, Lehmann promised the drop-in pitch at the Adelaide oval would suit his fast bowlers as they seek victory in the first Ashes day-night test.
‘there’s a bit more pace and bounce in the wicket now,’ he said. ‘this wicket can go through — it was the quickest wicket in Australia last year, so hopefully that’s a good sign for us.’
He also said the Australia team would never operate a curfew system after england’s players were told they had to return to the team hotel by midnight following the furore over Jonny Bairstow’s headbutt on Cameron Bancroft.
‘We wouldn’t have curfews but that’s our decision and that’s theirs,’ he said. ‘We have faith in the blokes to do the right thing, but they’re grown men, they’re adults.
‘You should enjoy your successes, there are no dramas with that. It’s just making sure you don’t cross the line. I’m happy with where our blokes sit with that.’