Ben Stokes, Alex Hales banned indefinitely

Sports Desk: Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be considered for selection for England international matches until further notice.

Each remains on full pay pending further ECB investigation and the on going Police investigation into an incident in Bristol in the early hours of Monday 25 September.

Andrew Strauss, director of England Cricket, will on Thursday refer the internal disciplinary procedure for these two players to the Cricket Discipline Commission, chaired by Tim O’Gorman.

These decisions, fully supported by ECB Chairman Colin Graves, were made following the release of footage viewed by ECB for the first time on Wednesday night.

Stokes was arrested for an incident which took place outside Bristol's Mbargo nightclub after last Sunday's one-day international against the West Indies.

The all-rounder is said to be devastated and fragile and has apologised for his actions, according to the BBC.

England's vice-captain appears to throw at least 15 punches in footage captured in the early hours of Monday.

His team-mate Hales is apparently present in a video obtained by The Sun trying to act as peacekeeper. It is understood the video is being reviewed at the highest level of the organisation.

Any decision to remove the Durham superstar from England's Ashes squad will be taken by Strauss in conjunction with the selection committee — which will then be sent to the ECB board to be ratified.

Strauss on Wednesday promised action against England's talisman and any other players found guilty of unacceptable behaviour.

It seems impossible Stokes can continue as Test vice-captain, even if he is cleared to fly to Australia next month after suffering a fracture to his right little finger in the incident.

On Saturday, an interview with Stokes was released by The Times in which he discussed his approach to the game which has previously seen him involved in a number of on-field confrontations.

Speaking about his abrasive nature on the field, the 26-year-old said: 'There is adrenaline. But I'd never punch someone.

'It’s the heat of the moment. Trying to be the bloke to get the wicket that will change the game back in our favour.' 

Source: agencies



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