Ben Stokes will NOT travel with England to Australia on October 28 ahead of Ashes
Stokes and Alex Hales, who was with the Durham all-rounder last Sunday night, have been suspended indefinitely on full pay while the police investigate the incident. Steven Finn will replace Stokes in the squad initially although "no final decision has been taken on his involvement in Australia". “England Selectors have added Steven Finn to the squad for the Ashes Tests, in light of the on-going investigation by Avon & Somerset Police, the Cricket Discipline Commission process and all other considerations,” an ECB statement said. “Finn will travel to Australia with the England Test team for the full five-match Ashes series.”
GETTY Ben Stokes will not be on the plane to Australia later this month
England’s director of cricket Andrew Strauss said: “With the Ashes just around the corner, it’s important to give the players, the coaching staff and supporters some clarity around a complex situation. “This decision will help us in the weeks ahead and give every player and the whole England set-up the best chance to focus on the challenge ahead in Australia. “Steven is a high-quality cricketer, with considerable experience of both international cricket and Australian conditions. “The selectors believe he will add to the range of options and the squad will be further supported by the arrival of the Lions in Australia in November.
Predicted England team for the first Ashes Test Wed, September 27, 2017 Express Sport brings you our predicted England team for the first Ashes Test Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 11 Alastair Cook
“We have spoken to Ben and assured him that our decision in no way prejudges the outcome of the ongoing police investigation or Cricket Discipline Commission process, as can be seen by the award of Central Contracts." The list of central contracts was due to be released on Wednesday but was delayed by 48 hours in light of recent disciplinary problems. According to an ECB statement, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball and Liam Plunkett have each accepted a formal written warning and fine for unprofessional conduct – unrelated to the investigations into Ben Stokes and Alex Hales - with undisclosed sums paid equally to the PCA Benevolent Fund and the Hornsby Professional Cricketers’ Fund. "The internal investigation and process for this matter has now concluded and no further comment will be made," the statement added.
GETTY Ben Stokes will be replaced on the plane by Steven Finn