Ben Stokes will join England’s squad for the Third Test against India having been found Not Guilty of affray at Bristol Crown Court, the ECB has announced.
Having starred in the opening game, Stokes missed the Second Test at Lord’s to stand trial. Now he has been added to a 14-man squad for the Third Test. England lead 2-0.
The ECB’s independent Cricket Discipline Committee, chaired by the former Derbyshire cricketer Tim O’Gorman, will now begin proceedings against Stokes and Alex Hales, although it may be some weeks before the hearings.
“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],” said an ECB spokesperson.
“Ben Stokes will now join the England squad for the 3rd Specsavers Test against India, which starts at Trent Bridge on Saturday.
“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.”
His selection creates a headache for England, as their other all-rounders, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes, have been man of the match in each of the first two Tests.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad both have superb records at Trent Bridge, so it is not obvious how to squeeze Stokes in.
