‘Australians, on and off the field, will need no encouragement to get under Stokes’ skin’

LONDON: England all-rounder Ben Stokes was named yesterday in a 16-man squad for the Ashes tour to Australia despite being arrested earlier in the week for an altercation outside a Bristol nightclub.

Stokes, England’s highest-profile cricketer and key match-winner, was held on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in the early hours of Monday and released under investigation.

An X-ray showed a minor fracture of a finger on the player’s right hand, but he is expected to be fit for the opening game of the tour against a Western Australia XI in Perth on 4 November. Stokes also retains the vice-captaincy.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement announcing the squad did not mention the incident, which has been the talk of the last 24 hours.

Wicket-keeper Ben Foakes was included for the first time, along with fast bowler Craig Overton and specialist spinner Mason Crane, while James Vince ends an absence dating back to August last year.

Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance was also included in a squad with three uncapped players. England’s Ashes defence starts with the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from 23-27 November.

“We have provided Joe Root and Trevor Bayliss with a well-balanced squad with options in all areas,” said selector James Whitaker.

Former captain Mike Atherton warned that Stokes would be targeted in Australia – with lingering doubts about him even making it that far.

“With the investigation under way, who knows whether there may be legal ramifications that will imperil his participation in Australia,” he said.

“Australians, on and off the field, will need no encouragement to get under his skin. Unwittingly, Stokes has brought a little more scrutiny and pressure to bear on a tour that will not be short of either.”

The hosts whitewashed England 5-0 in the last Ashes in Australia in 2013-14.

Stuart Broad and James Anderson, who recently took his 500th Test wicket, will again spearhead the attack although neither is naturally suited to the extra pace and bounce of Australian pitches.

The ECB said former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond had been appointed as a consultant and will be part of the England management team up to the end of second Test in Australia. – Reuters