Stokes may be fast-tracked for third Test if cleared of assault

BEN STOKES could be fast-tracked into England’s Ashes tour party in a little over 48 hours if he is cleared by police over his actions in a street brawl in Bristol two months ago.

Stokes moved a step closer yesterday to being added to the England tour party by agreeing to play state cricket in New Zealand, having been given a no-objection certificate by the England and Wales Cricket Board last Friday.

The all-rounder flew to Christchurch, where his parents live, and is on the verge of signing a deal to play for Canterbury.

He is expected to play on Sunday in the Ford Trophy, New Zealand’s domestic 50-over tournament, in what will be his first match since breaking his hand in the Bristol street fight that led to his arrest and subsequent suspension from the England team.

Stokes is still in limbo in regard to international cricket, as there has been no update on whether he will be charged by police, but it is understood the 26-year-old gave his final statement to detectives last week.

If he is cleared, the ECB has a contingency plan enabling it to convene a board meeting within 48 hours, after which its disciplinary commission would be able to meet.

It is thought likely they would consider any suspension to have been served retrospectively, meaning he could be available for selection as little as two days after being cleared.

It is not known when Somerset and Avon police will make their decision on whether to charge Stokes, but the third Test in Perth does not start until December 14. There is then an eight-day break before the December 26 Test begins in Melbourne.

The England coaching staff are understood to be desperate for Stokes to be allowed to rejoin the squad, but it is a very tricky situation for the ECB.

If Stokes is charged, any disciplinary sanctions would be put on hold for fear of prejudicing a future criminal trial. But it could be months before his case was heard and the temptation would be to allow him to play cricket again before he appears in court.

By agreeing an NOC for New Zealand, the ECB has opened the door for him to fulfil his lucrative contracts in the Indian Premier League next April, as long as it does not coincide with judicial hearings.

It means Andrew Strauss, the team director, has a tricky balancing act with some members of the ECB’s board not wanting Stokes anywhere near the Ashes tour, fearing the bad publicity it would attract.

The ECB was initially caught unaware by Stokes’s travel plans after he was photographed at Heathrow on Monday. It was later confirmed Stokes was travelling independently of the board.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann refused to be drawn on Stokes yesterday, other than to admit, “he’s a good player, but, again, it depends. I can’t really comment too much about it until the ECB know what’s happening”.

And that is the problem. Until the police make a decision, there is no way Stokes can join the Ashes tour and the speculation surrounding his future is not helpful, coming only 24 hours after Strauss has had to enforce a midnight curfew in the light of the Jonny Bairstow ‘headbutt’ incident.

Lehmann also warned England to expect more bouncers from his attack on what he regards as the quickest pitch in Australia when the floodlights are on at the Adelaide Oval.

“There’s a bit more pace and bounce in the wicket. It was the quickest wicket last year, so I hope that’s a good sign for us,” he said. (© Daily Telegraph, London)