Ben Stokes could miss the Ashes and lose the vice-captaincy as a result of his actions
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England all-rounder Ben Stokes was arrested in Bristol after a night out and reports suggest that he could miss the highly-anticipated Ashes series in Australia and be stripped of the vice-captaincy.
Stokes, who was celebrating England’s victory over the West Indies in the third ODI, was taken into custody on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm following an altercation outside Mbargo nightclub, which resulted in a 27-year-old man suffering facial injuries.
Somerset and Avon Police police confirmed they received a call about “disorder in the Queens Road/Clifton Triangle area at around 2.35am” on Monday morning.
A statement issued by them said: “A 27-year-old man suffered facial injuries and was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.”
Stokes spent the night in prison, but was released without charge later in the morning. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed that he and opening batsman Alex Hales will miss the fourth ODI against the West Indies at The Oval in London.
Hales was with Stokes at the time of the incident and it is understood that he has travelled back to Bristol to assist the police with their investigation.
“Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow’s one-day international match against West Indies at The Oval,” an ECB statement said. “Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol. He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – late on Monday and will not join the team in London.
“Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night, did not train this morning and has returned voluntarily to Bristol today to help police with their enquiries.”
Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, confirmed that the ECB will be launching their own investigation.
“I went to see Ben last night down in Bristol. I will be addressing players this afternoon after practice,” he said. “We will obviously be launching our own investigation into the circumstances surrounding this. The Ashes selection will be going ahead on form and fitness as planned.”
England ODI captain Eoin Morgan added: “Ben and Alex will be unavailable for tomorrow’s games, so there are two positions up for grabs. It has been a bit of a distraction but this game is about winning the series.”
While Stokes will miss the fourth ODI, The Mirror reported that his “summer and Ashes tour are all but over” as he injured his hand in the altercation.
Furthermore, with the incident involving Stokes coming less than 24 hours before England name their team for the Ashes, The Telegraph reported that the all-rounder could be sacked as vice-captain.
This isn’t the first time Stokes has been in trouble as he was cautioned by police after being arrested on a night out in 2012.
He was also sent home when the England Lions were touring Australia in 2013 for staying out late and drinking.
Fast forward a year later and Stokes’ fiery temper led to him missing the 2014 World Twenty20 as he punched a locker and broke his wrist.