Relieved duo now facing ECB probe

disrepute during a night out drinking while on England duty that ended in a street brawl, even though Hales was not arrested and Stokes argued in court that he was acting in self-defence.

The internal probe – to be conducted by an independent Cricket Discipline Commission – is expected to take weeks, with any verdict not expected until the autumn.

The current five-Test series against India finishes in mid-September so Stokes is clear for the rest of the summer, with team insiders certain he will be in the team at Trent Bridge this weekend.

An ECB spokesperson said: “Now that the legal proceedings have concluded, the disciplinary process for Ben Stokes and Alex Hales can be scheduled by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC).

“Considerable detail has been heard in this week-long court case and, in due course, there will be a range of matters for the board to fully consider.”

The CDC chairman Tim O’Gorman, a former player and qualified solicitor, will put together a three-person panel for a hearing.

The panel will have the power to impose fines, suspensions or even both.

Stokes and Hales were made “unavailable for selection” by the ECB following their involvement in the incident in Bristol.

Happy

Both were left out of the final two matches of last summer’s ODI series against West Indies, with Stokes also missing the Ashes tour of Australia.

The all-rounder received public support from England team-mate Jonny Bairstow.

“I’m really happy that the verdict has come out as it has, for English cricket,” he said.

“It has been a long 10 months for him and his family. Hopefully we can see him back in an England shirt very soon.”