(Photo: Getty Images)
The ECB have confirmed Ben Stokes will not be available for the fourth ODI at the Oval tomorrow after he was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning in Bristol.
The all-rounder was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm but was released without charge when a member of the public required hospital treatment for facial injuries.
Team-mate Alex Hales will also not feature for England after he voluntarily travelled back to Bristol to assist Police with an investigation.
A day before England announce their Ashes squad, a shock statement read: “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 inquiries. You will understand that we cannot offer further detail at this stage but will provide any updates when we can.”
Focus has turned towards the Ashes Tour Down Under this winter for England’s selectors after Stokes and Joe Root made a 132-run partnership to hand England a 2-0 series lead over the West Indies with two ODIs left to play.
The board of selectors have met today to finalise the squad ahead of Wednesday’s 10am announcement for who makes the plane to Australia.
