Stokes must wait on CPS decision

England all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to find out soon if he is to be charged over an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.

Detectives investigating the incident on September 25 have passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for advice on charging. Stokes, dropped from the England squad and suspended from playing for his country following his arrest, is currently in New Zealand, hoping to play in a domestic competition this weekend.

It remains unclear whether the CPS will now decide to charge Stokes and if the 26-year-old will be able to play any part in England’s Ashes series against Australia, which continues with the second Test in Adelaide, starting on Saturday.

The very earliest Stokes (pictured) could possibly return would be for the third Test in Perth, which begins on December 14.

For that to happen, there would need to be a decision not to charge Stokes, which would bring the police investigation to a conclusion. The ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission would then have to backdate any suspension.

For now, Stokes is hoping to play for Canterbury Kings in a 50-over Ford Trophy clash against Otago Volts on Sunday, although nothing has been finalised yet. Discussions are also in place for further games in the club’s domestic competition and the Burger King Super Smash Twenty20.