England batsman Hales unlikey to face any charges
England batsman Alex Hales is unlikely to face any charges for his involvement in last month’s late-night fracas in Bristol, according to his lawyer.
All-rounder Ben Stokes could miss this winter’s Ashes series after being arrested in the early hours of September 25 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm during a night out in Bristol, before being released under investigation.
Hales was with his England team-mate when they were involved in an altercation with several men.
After being interviewed by police, Hales was told he is not under investigation and his lawyer Ian Kelcey is not expecting the batsman to face further action.
Kelcey said: “I’d be surprised if he did. It’s unlikely from what I’ve seen thus far. He’s in a totally different position to Ben Stokes.”
Hales and Stokes were both stood down from international duty after footage of the incident came to light, with the pair missing England’s final two one-day internationals against the West Indies.
Hales is not part of England’s Test squad but, as one of the world’s premier limited-overs players, he will be in demand this winter.
The 28-year-old is due to play in South Africa’s new Twenty20 league next month as well as a tournament in Sharjah in December, while he is also sure to attract suitors for Australia’s Big Bash.
Stokes, who is also subject to internal disciplinary action, has had his central contract renewed by the ECB, however.
England team director Andrew Strauss said: “With the Ashes just around the corner, it’s important to give the players, the coaching staff and supporters some clarity around a complex situation.
“We have spoken to Ben and assured him that our decision in no way prejudges the outcome of the ongoing police investigation or cricket discipline commission process, as can be seen by the award of central contracts.”
In a separate disciplinary matter, the ECB has also fined and issued written warnings to Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball and Liam Plunkett following an investigation into behaviour during the recent one-day series against the West Indies.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Steve Smith is expected to be fit for the upcoming Ashes despite returning home from the tour of India with a shoulder problem, Cricket Australia has announced.
Smith will miss three Twenty20s on the subcontinent after falling awkwardly on his right shoulder during the recent fifth one-day international in Nagpur.
The 28-year-old, who is top of the ICC Test batting rankings, is set to recover in time for the start of the Australian domestic season, but it is another concern for the hosts following the injury to key bowler James Pattinson.
“He has had an MRI scan which has excluded serious injury, but we believe the best course of action is for him to not continue to aggravate his shoulder and allow it to recover,” said Australia’s team doctor Richard Saw.
“He will have further investigation upon his return to Australia but we remain confident he will be available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season.”
Marcus Stoinis will replace Smith in the T20 squad, with David Warner captaining the side.
The first Ashes Test begins in Brisbane on November 23.