IN TROUBLE

Stokes arrested in Bristol, to miss Oval ODI

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Ben Stokes was arrested and released on Monday in Bristol. © Getty

An incident in Bristol involving Ben Stokes led to his arrest in the early hours of Monday morning, Andrew Strauss, the ECB director of cricket, told reporters during a press conference on Tuesday (September 26), confirming that the all-rounder as well as Alex Hales will miss the fourth ODI against Windies at The Oval.

Stokes was held overnight and released late on Monday and is under investigation although no charges have been pressed against him, yet. Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night when the incident took place, did not take part in the training session on Tuesday as he returned to Bristol to help police with their enquiries.

"Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow's One-Day International match against West Indies at The Oval," ECB said in a statement. "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. You will understand that we cannot offer further detail at this stage but will provide any updates when we can," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Avon and Somerset police issued an appeal seeking information regarding a 27-year-old suffering injuries in the Queens Road/Clifton Triangle area in Bristol around 2:35 AM on Monday. "A 27-year-old man suffered facial injuries and was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing bodily harm and has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue."

The news comes a day before England's squad for the Ashes is set to be announced. While Stokes is the current vice-captain of the Test side, the latest development is being seen as a setback, although Strauss insisted that there is no impediment to the squad selection process.

"I went to see Ben last night down in Bristol. I will be addressing players this afternoon after practice. We will obviously be launching our own investigation into the circumstances surrounding this. The Ashes selection will be going ahead as planned," Strauss said, not willing to divulge details.

Eoin Morgan, the England limited-overs captain, said the news regarding Stokes and Hales has come as a distraction for the team but added that their focus will be on the upcoming game. "Ben and Alex will be unavailable for tomorrow's game so there are two positions up for grabs. It has been a bit of a distraction but this game is about winning the series."

This is not the first time that Stokes has been arrested. In what was reported as a drink-related incident, the Durham all-rounder was arrested and cautioned for obstructing police on December 16, 2011. In 2013, Stokes had to leave the England Lions squad following a late-night drinking incident while he had to miss the World T20 in 2014 after fracturing his hand while trying to punch a locker.

© Cricbuzz

TAGS

RELATED STORIES