Stokes named in England’s one-day squad but subject to legal all clear

L Bristol incident still casts doubt over all-rounder’s availability to face Australia

Ben Stokes is in line to make his England return next month after he and Alex Hales were provisionally selected for the one-day international series against Australia.

Stokes, currently playing for Canterbury Kings in New Zealand, and Hales have not been in action for England since 24 September after they were declared unavailable for international selection until further notice.

All-rounder Stokes is not part of England’s ongoing Ashes Test tour as he waits to discover if he will be charged after his arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in a late-night fracas in Bristol on 25 September. Hales, also present during the incident outside a nightclub after England’s ODI win the previous day, will not face any charges.

The pair were named in a 16-man squad, though an ECB statement noted: “Their involvement remains subject to any relevant legal or disciplinary developments in relation to the incident in Bristol in September.”

Englandcoachtrevorbayliss is prepared for the heightened attention which will surround Stokes’ return.

He said: “That’s been discussed – but whenever he comes back it’s going to be a bit of a circus for sure. Whether it’s any more of a circus than it’s already been, it’s hard to say. If it happens, let’s just get on with it and take it on the chin.”

Asked about the timing of any clarification of Stokes’ situation, Bayliss said: “I’ve got absolutely no idea... [we’re] still waiting for the police report.”

Theecbwillconveneaboard meeting within 48 hours once police have announced the outcome of advice sought from the Crown Prosecution Service on whether to charge Stokes.

At that point, it will also be decided whether any Ashes reinstatement could be in order for the remainder of a series in which England trail 2-0 with three to play.

Hales, meanwhile, will have to battle his way back into the ODI team having vacated his opening position during last summer’s series win over the West Indies and seen Jason Roy return in compelling form alongside Jonny Bairstow.

Bayliss said: “The two openers we had did very well, and it

0 Ben Stokes has not featured for England since 24 September and is now playing in New Zealand. would be difficult to go against [them]. We’ve got to take a decision now, and ... the two guys who have taken over, I just think that’s the best way to go. I can’t see any changes there personally.”

Also back in the mix lower down the list is fast bowler Mark Wood, returning from his heel injury.

England do not intend to rest any Test regulars such as Joe Root, Bairstow, Moeen Ali or Chris Woakes in the ODIS against Australia but may consider a break during the Twenty20 tri-series which follows.