STOKES AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION, MAY PLAY IN T20 SERIES IN NZ
LONDON: The ECB has confirmed Ben Stokes will now be considered for England selection once again. Stokes has not represented his country since he was arrested following a late-night incident in Bristol in September, the allrounder missing the Ashes defeat to Australia as a result. However, after he was charged with affray on Monday, the ECB board has now decided Stokes can return to the international arena.
An ECB statement read: “Given the CPS (Crown Prosecution) decision to charge him and two others with affray, confirmation of his intention to contest the charge and the potential length of time to trial, the board agreed that it would not be fair, reasonable or proportionate for Ben Stokes to remain unavailable for a further indeterminate period...England selectors, management and players have been informed and Stokes is expected to join the squad in New Zealand for February’s T20 matches.”