BEN STILL A NO-JOE
Root cool on Stokes talk
JOE ROOT has no idea if the latest revelations surrounding Ben Stokes will affect his Ashes chances.
The England skipper spoke after his side arrived in Perth yesterday.
In the time it took them to travel from London on Friday, it was reported two men have insisted Stokes was defending them from homophobic abuse when he was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last month.
Stokes (right) is still under investigation by police, despite being released without being charged.
The star all-rounder and Alex Hales, who was with him on the night, won’t be considered until the results of the police inquiry are known and an England and Wales Cricket Board disciplinary commission has considered the matter.
Stokes cannot be thought of for Ashes duty until that process has ® from RODNEY WHITE in Perth been completed, but Root said: “As a friend, I hope (this) can be good news for Ben. But the reality is we’ve all got to wait and see. We’ve got to plan as if he’s not going to be here.
“We’re completely in the dark as to what’s going to happen.”
Root then turned his attention to the actual cricket and the prospect of sledging.
He said: “There’s always a psychological edge to the Ashes. I’m sure there will be plenty of banter flying around on and off the field.
“I just try to be myself and (enjoy) what’s such a great tour to be involved in. That’s something you’ve got to cherish and relish and be able to look back on at the end of your career and say, ‘I gave it my best shot’. “We’ve got very good, experienced players that have been here and won before – and some very young, exciting players that are desperate to prove how good they are.” ENGLAND captain Heather Knight hit 88 off 80 balls and Alex Hartley took 3-25 as England beat Australia by 20 runs under DLS at Coffs Harbour to reduce their deficit in the women’s Ashes to two points. Next up is the daynight Test in Sydney on November 9 followed by three T20s.